•TH E  * 

-JOHN     FRYER- 
CHINESE- LIBRARY 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2007  with  funding  from 

IVIicrosoft  Corporation 


http://www.archive.org/details/altarathomeOOamerrich 


THE 


ALTAR    AT.  HOME 


a    ,     1 

J  ■'     >       » 


SECOND    SERIES. 


SELECTIONS    AND    PRAYERS 


DOMESTIC    WORSHIP. 


....  Blest 
The  home  where  God  is  felt. 

Hbhans. 


EIGHTH    EDITION. 


BOSTON: 

AMERICAN   UNITARIAN   ASSOCIATION. 

189  I. 


'««     IS,.'*'*.. 


Main  Lib. 
JOHN  FRYER 
CHINESE  LIBRARY 

Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1862,  by 

Walkkr,  Wise,  ani>  Company, 

in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  District  c{  Massachusetts 


Introduction 


IT  can  hardly  be  necessary,  in  view  of  the  constant 
demand  for  books  of  this  class,  to  demonstrate  their 
utility  and  desirableness,  or  to  apologize  for  adding  one 
more  to  the  number. 

The  marked  favor  with  which  the  First  Series  of  the 
"  Altar  at  Home  "  has  been  received  has  induced  the 
Editor  of  tlie  present  volume  to  adopt  the  general  plan 
of  that  work. 

Many,  who  have  regulai'ly  used  the  "  Altar "  since  its 
publication,  have  expressed  a  wish  for  a  new  series  of 
Selections  and  Prayers,  those  in  the  former  series, 
necessarily  limited  in  number,  having  become  somewhat 
trite  from  frequent  repetition. 

While  in  the  present  volume  the  general  plan  and 
arrangement  of  the  former  issue  have  been  preserved, 
experience  has  suggested  a  few  alterations,  which  it  is 
believed  will  be  generally  esteemed  as  improvements. 

The  introductory   Selections,  df  gigned   to  be  read  in 

747763 


iv  INTRODUCTION. 

alternation  by  the  members  of  the  family,  have  been 
somewhat  extended,  while  the  Prayers  are  generally 
shorter. 

The  Selections  have  been  made,  not  exclusively  from 
the  Scriptures,  but  there  have  been  interwoven  some  of 
the  wise,  devout,  and  elevating  thoughts  of  a  few  of  the 
purest  and  most  holy  men  whose  existence  has  blessed 
the  world. 

The  aim  has  been  to  make  these  Selections  of  a  practi- 
cal character ;  not  simply  pious  ejaculations,  or  passages 
expressive  of  admitted  truths,  but  those  calculated  to 
awaken  attention,  to  produce  conviction,  to  stimulate,  to 
console,  to  strengthen. 

They  have  been  carefully  chosen,  and  so  arranged  as 
to  follow  one  another  naturally,  and  be  in  some  sense 
responsive  to  each  other. 

The  verse  of  Sacred  Poetry  which  introduces  each 
service,  and  is  designed  to  be  read  by  the  head  of  the 
family,  or  sung  by  the  members  of  the  family  when 
practicable,  has  been  selected  as  embodying  the  spirit  of 
the  Selections  following ;  to  strike  the  key-note,  as  it  were, 
of  the  entire  service. 

The  Prayers  have  been  written  by  a  number  of  clergy- 
men, generally  well  known  in  this  community,  whose 
names,  alphabetically  arranged,  are  given  on  another 
page,  and  to  whom  the  Editor  desires  to  acknowledge  his 


INTRODUCTION,  ^ 

great  indebtedness  for  the  essential  service  rendered  him 
in  hie  laborious  and  delicate  task. 

The  Prayers  having  been  contributed  with  special 
reference  to  the  respective  services  of  which  they  form 
part,  it  is  believed  that  a  unity  of  spirit  throughout  each 
entire  service  has  been  thereby  secured,  which  could  not 
have  been  attained  in  any  other  way. 

Another  alteration  will  be  noticed  in  the  present 
series.  Instead  of  dividing  the  Selections  into  morning 
and  evening  services,  it  has  been  thought  best  to  append 
a  morning  and  evening  Prayer  to  each  Selection. 

Few  families,  if  any,  it  is  believed,  use  the  book  for 
both  morning  and  evening  worship,  hence,  in  the  former 
series,  one  half  the  Selections  were  unavailable.  By  the 
present  arrangement,  every  Selection,  except  the  few 
designated  as  "  Special,"  may  be  used  by  every  family, 
whether  they  observe  domestic  worship  statedly  at  the 
commencement  or  at  the  close  of  the  day.  And  still  fur- 
ther, as,  in  most  instances,  the  omission  of  a  word  or  two, 
or  some  equally  slight  change,  will  make  it  possible  to 
use  the  morning  and  evening  ih-ayers  interchangeably, 
the  scope  of  the  volume  is  thereby  materially  enlarged. 

As  the  First  Series  of  the  "  Altar  at  Home  "  con- 
tains ample  selections  for  the  use  of  the  closet,  together 
with  the  ancient  Collects  of  the  Churcli  and  a  number  of 
Litanies,  it  has  been  thought  best  to  exclude  those  fea- 
h 


vi  INTRODUCTION. 

tures  from  the  present  work,  in  order  to  afford  more  space 
for  the  regular  Morning  and  Evening  and  Special  Ser- 
vices ;  the  practical  usefulness  of  the  volume  dependmg, 
it  is  believed,  upon  the  extent  and  variety  of  these  Ex- 
ercises. 

With  this  brief  Introduction,  the  Editor  submits  the 

volume  to  the  acceptance  of  those  for  whom  it  has  been 

prepared,  with  an  earnest  hope  that  it  may  prove  helpful 

to  many  households. 

J.  P.  W. 

Jamaic  i  Plain,  May,  18M. 


Contents 


MORNING  AND   EVENING   PRAYERS, 

FAfll 

1.  Domestic  Love  and  Unity 1 

n.  Against  Wor  ldly-Mindedmess        ....  6 

HL  The  Goodness  of  God .9 

IV.  Personal  Piety 14 

V.  Active  Virtue 19 

VI.  Confession  of  Sin 28 

Vn.  The  Brevity  of  Life   .......  28 

VIII.   SEKrNO  God  in  his  Works 83 

IX.   The  Voice  Within 87 

X.   Bearing  the  Cross 41 

XI.  Aspiration 46 

XII.   Good  Resolutions 49 

XIII.  Thy  Kingdom  come       ....               .       .  68 

XIV.  A  Patient,  Forgiving  Spirit 68 

XV.   The  Christian  Life  a  ^V^arfabb       ....  62 

XVI.  Dependence  upon  God 67 

XVII.   Purity      ...                70 

ICVIII.  Christ  the  Way         .                74 

XIX.   The  Wise  Choice  .                        78 

XX.  Retirement  and  Meditatiok  .        .               .        .  82 
XXL   Affliction  and  Adversity  .        .                .                .88 

XXIL   Seeking  the  Glory  of  God    .        .                .  90 


viii  CONTENTS. 

XXm.   Humility .       .  94 

XXIV.  Cheerfulness ,        .  98 

XXV.  LovB  TO  Jesus 102 

XXVI.   Against  Anger     . 106 

XXVII.  Weart  not  in  Well-doing    .       .       *  .110 

XXVni.   Sowing  anp  Reaping 116 

XXIX.   Fidelity  in  Daily  Duties 119 

XXX.   The  Love  of  God 123 

XXXI.  Deal  Justly,  and  Love  Mercy    .        .        .        ,127 

XXXn.  Life  Everlasting 181 

XXXIII.  Dwell  Thou  with  us 136 

XXXIV.  A  Sustaining  Hope 189 

XXXV.    Christ  within  us 144 

XXXVI.  Vain  and  Evil  Thoughts 147 

XXXVH.   True  Wisdom 152 

XXXVin.  Thou,  God,  seest  us 167 

XXXIX.  Against  Pride 161 

XL.  Diligent  in  Business 165 

XLL   Good  Example 170 

XLII.  The  Word  of  God 173 

XLIII.   The  End  of  Like     .        .                ....  178 

XLIV.   Daily  Faults         .......  182 

XLV.   Pure  Religion  and  Undefiled    .        .  .186 

XL VI.   Against  World LY-MiNDEF  NESS  .        ...  190 

XLVIL  Love  towards  God 194 

XL VIII.  Evil  and  Idle  Speaking 197 

XLIX.  Repentance  and  Forgiveness      ....  201 

L.  Inward  Peace       ....               .       .  206 

LI.  Trust  in  God 210 

LII.  A  Conscience  void  of  Offence                      ,  214 

LIIL   Given  to  Hospitality 219 

LIV    Conformity  to  the  Will  of  Gok  224 

LV.   Help  Thou  our  Unbelief  22d 


CONTENTS.  ix 

LVI.   Consider  your  Ways 232 

LVIl.  His  Compassions  fail  not 237 

LVIII.  Faith  in  Christ       .......  240 

LIX.  Search  the  Sckiptures    .         .....  246 

LX.  Temperance  and  Modehation      ....  260 

LXI.  Lead  us  not  into  Temptation         ....  254 

LXII.  Pray  without  ceasing   .        .        .        .        .       .  259 

LXIII.  Fear  God 264 

LXIV.  Thy  Ways  are  not  our  Ways      ....  269 

LXV.  «elf-Denial 273 

LXVl.  Simplicity  and  Godly  Sincerity         ...  277 

LX\ai.  Love  to  Man •.281 

LXVIU.  True  Gain .286 


SPECIAL   SERVICES,  ^ 

I.  Sunday  Morning 298 

n.  Sunday  Moiining •        .        .  296 

nL  Sunday  Morning 299 

IV.  Sunday  Evening 802 

V.  Sunday  Evening 805 

VL  Sunday  Evening 807 

VII  Christmas  Eve 810 

VIII  Christmas  Morning       .......  814 

IX  New  Year's  Eve 817 

X  New  Year's  Day 820 

XI  Thaiiksgi vino-Day  Mornisg 825 

XII.  Thanksgiving-Day  Evening      ...  .828 

Xni.  Fact  Day 881 


F  R  A  TERS     B  T 


Rev.  E.  G.  Adams, Templeton,  Mass. 

Kev.  William  R.  Algkr, Boston. 

Rev.  Joseph  Allen,  D.  D Northhorough,  Mass. 

Rev.  C.  G.  Ames, Bloomington,  III. 

Rev.  George  W.  Bkiggs,  D.  D Salem,  Mass. 

Rev.  Charles  T.  Brooks, Newport,  R  I. 

Rev.  S.  G.  Bulfinch, Dorchester,  Mass. 

Rev.  S.  W.  Bush, Mi'dfield,  Mass 

Rev.  J.  F.  Clarke, BosUyn. 

Rev  Robert  Collyer, Chicago,  III. 

Rev.  Rufus  Ellis Boston. 

Rev.  Henry  W.  Foote, Boston. 

Rev.  Edward  E.  Hale Boston. 

Rev.  F.  H.  Hedge,  D.  D Brookline,  Mas». 

Rev.  Alonzo  Hill,  D.  D Worcester,  Mass- 

Rev.  Thomas  Hill,  D.  D Yellow  Sjmngs,  Ohio 

Rev.  George  W.  Hosmeu,  D,  D Buffalo,  N.  Y. 

Rev.  L.  J   LiVERMORE, Lexington,  Mass. 

Rev.  Charles  Lowe, Somerville,  Mass. 

Rev.  John  H.  Mouison,  D.  D Milton,  Mass. 

Rev.  a.  B  Muzzky Newl/urypcyrt,  Mass 

Rev.  Samuel  Osgood,  D.  D New  To/A. 

Rev.  a.  p.  Peabody,  D.  D Cambndge. 

Rev.  Richard  Pike, Dorchester,  Mass. 

Rev.  E.  VV.  Reynolds, Wdtertown,  iV.  Y. 

Rev.  Chandler  Robbins,  D.  D.  .         .    .    .  Boston. 

Rev.  R  R.  Shippen, Worcester,  Mass. 

Rev.  N.  a.  Staples, Brooklyn,  N.  T. 

Rev.  Horatio  Stebbins, Portland,  Me. 

Rev.  J.  \V.  Thompson,  D.  D Jamaica  Plain,  Mass 

Rev.  James  Walker,  D.  D.  .    .     .  Cambridge. 

Rev.  Augustus  Woodbury, Providence,  R.  I. 


/  and  my  house  are  ready y  Lord^ 
With  hearts  that  beat  in  sweet  accord. 

To  serve  thee  and  obey  thee ; 
Be  in  the  midst  of  its,  we  pray, 
To  guide  and  bless  tw,  that  we  may 

A  willing  service  pay  thee  : 
Of  us  aU, 
Great  and  small. 
Make  a  pious  congregation^ 
Pure  in  life  and  conversation. 


Let  thy  good  spirit,  by  the  word. 
Work  mightily  in  us,  0  Lord^ 

Our  souls  and  bodies  filing  / 
O  let  the  sun  of  grace  shine  bright, 
That  there  may  be  abundant  light 

In  us  and  in  our  dwelling : 
On  our  way, 
Night  and  day. 

With  the  heavenly  manna  feed  u$ 
To  the  heavenly  Canaan  lead  u*. 


Xll 

Send  peace  and  blessing  from  above^ 
Unite  us  all  in  faith  and  love 

Who  in  this  house  are  living  ; 
Let  charity  our  hearts  prepare 
To  suffer  long^  and  all  things  bear^ 

Meek^  gentle^  and  forgiving ; 
Nor  in  aught 
Christ  hath  taught 
Let  us  fail  to  one  another^ 
But  each  to  love  and  help  his  brother. 

Cord,  let  our  house  be  built  upun 
Thy  faithfulness  and  grace  alone  ; 

A  nd  when  the  day.  is  closing, 
And  night  her  gloomy  shadow  flings, 
Let  us  lie  down  beneath  thy  wings 

With  childlike  trust  reposing ; 
E'en  with  smart 
In  the  heart. 

Cheerful,  happy,  and  confiding. 
Patiently  in  thee  abiding. 

Ltha  DoitfKsnoA. 


Altar  at   Hom-e^ 


DOMESTIC  LOVE  AND  UNITr. 

Help  us  to  help  each  other,  Lord, 

Each  other's  cross  to  bear  ; 
Let  each  his  friendly  aid  afford^ 

And  feel  his  brother's  care. 

Help  us  to  build  each  other  up  ; 

Our  little  stock  improve ; 

Increase  our  faith,  confirm  our  hope, 

And  perfect  us  in  love. 

Wesley's  Coll, 

Be  kindly  affectioned  one  to  another  with  brotherly  love ; 
in  honor  preferring  one  another. 

How  good  and  pleasant  it  is  for  brethren  to  dwell  together 
in  unity ! 

Be  ye  all  of  one  mind,  havhig  compassion  one  of  another ; 
love  as  brethren,  be  pitiful,  be  courteous  : 

Not  rendering  evil  for  evil,  or  railing  for  railing ;  but  con- 
trariwise blessing. 

Learn  first  to  show  piety  at  home,  for  that  is  good  and 
acceptable  before  God. 


2  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

'    Avoid  foolish  questions,  and  contentions  and  strivings,  for 
tko}' ,  are  unprofil  a^]^'  ?.n^  vain. 

;  ;B^ar^T,e,,cne  ,anQther'gi  burdens,  and  so  fulfil  the  law  of 
'  'Cnristi."  ■     .  ■      ''.,:,'''.,■ 

Ye  younger  submit  yourselves  unto  the  elder.  Yea, 
all  of  you  be  subject  one  to  another,  and  be  clothed  with 
humility. 

Let  us  love  one  another ;  for  love  is  of  God  ;  and  every  one 
that  loveth  is  born  of  God,  and  knoweth  God. 

But  he  that  hateth  his  brother  is  in  darkness,  and  walketb 
in  darkness,  and  knoweth  not  whither  he  goeth. 

May  God  grant,  that,  as  we  are  all  members  of  the  same 
body,  have  one  and  the  same  Father,  the  same  Saviour,  we 
may  live  in  unity  and  godly  love,  and  be  charitable  accord- 
ing to  our  ability. 

Let  it  please  thee  to  bless  the  house  of  thy  servant,  that  it 
may  be  before  thee  forever ;  for  thou  blessest,  O  Lord,  and  it 
shall  be  blessed  forever. 

Morning. 

OTHOU,  in  whom  all  the  families  of  the  earth 
are  blessed,  we  thank  thee  that  we  are  again 
permitted  to  offer  our  united  praise  and  supplication 
at  the  household  altar.  We  bless  thee  for  the  assur- 
ance, that,  where  two  or  three  are  met  together  in 
the  Saviour's  name,  they  have  his  presence,  sym- 
pathy, and  love.  We  remember  with  gratitude  the 
kind  Providence  that  has  been  over  us  through  the 
whole  of  our  united  life,  making  our  home  ha[)py, 


DOMESTIC  LOVE  AND    UNITY.  3 

and  enabling  us  to  minister  in  so  many  ways  to  one 
another's  well-being.  Help  us  to  live  together,  as 
the  dying  ought  to  live  with  reference  to  the  things 
that  change  and  perish,  as  the  undying  ought  to  live 
in  the  view  of  things  unseen  and  eternal.  May 
we  watch  for  one  another's  religious  good,  spiritual 
peace,  and  enduring  joy.  May  we  bear  one  an- 
other's burdens,  and  help  one  another's  infirmities. 
May  we  move  on  together  in  every  way  of  duty, 
looking  unto  Jesus,  and  seeking  to  plant  our  foot- 
steps where  he  has  trodden.  May  we  be  united  in 
the  love  of  God,  the  faith  of  Christ,  the  pursuit 
of  all  that  is  pure  and  true,  noble  and  heavenly. 
May  we  so  dwell  together,  while  our  house  is 
of  clay  and  our  habitation  in  the  dust,  that  we 
may  dwell  together  in  the  house  not  made  with 
hands. 

We  pray  for  all  whom  thou  hast  made  ours,  that 
thou  wouldst  guide  them  by  thy  counsel,  and  cheer 
them  by  the  assurance  of  thy  redeeming  love.  And 
while  we  commena  to  thee  those  who  are  still  around 
us,  we  would  recognize  our  unbroken  union  with 
those  faithful  and  beloved  friends  who  have  passed 
away  from  our  sight,  and  have  entered  before  us 
into  thy  rest.  May  their  felt  sympathy  be  with  us 
in  duty  and  in  trial,  strengthening  and  gladdening 
us  continually,  and  giving  us  an  ever  more  intimate 
home-feeling  for  the  mansions  in  the  Father's  house 
on  high.     Command  thy  blessing  on  all  men  every- 


4  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

where,  and  may  the  light  of  thy  love  shine  in  all 
lands  and  into  all  hearts. 

Our  Father,  hear  our  prayer,  and  forgive  and 
accept  us,  now  and  evermore,  through  thy  mercy  in 
Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour.     Amen, 

EVENING. 

UNIVERSAL  Sovereign,  Father  of  all  spirits, 
as  the  shades  of  night  gather  around  our 
dwelling,  we  kneel  together  at  the  domestic  altar 
and  beseech  thee  to  guard  and  bless  us.  O  may 
no  shades  of  evil  fall  on  us,  no  suspicions  or  alter- 
ations alienate  our  now  united  hearts. 

Thou  art  pleased  to  see  thy  children  live  to- 
gether in  love.  May  our  love  be  so  pure  and  fer- 
vent as  to  form  an  acceptable  part  of  the  worship 
we  render  to  thee.  We  would  bear  each  other  in 
affectionate  remembrance  amidst  all  the  round  of 
daily  toil  and  temptation,  each  striving  to  be  wor- 
thy of  the  other,  and  all  to  be  found  faithful  before 
thee.  In  our  mutual  relations  we  would  be  for- 
bearing, patient,  generous,  devoted  to  each  other's 
good,  m  the  kind  correction  of  faults  and  cordial 
co-operation  in  the  culture  of  excellence.  We  sup- 
plicate grace  to  appr'^pviate  to  their  divinest  uses 
all  thine  appointments,  whether  of  prosperity  or 
adversity.  Guard  our  fold  from  ravage.  Deliver 
us  from  an  ungrateful  and  rebellious  spirit.    What- 


AGAINST   WORLDLY-MINDEDNESS.  5 

ever  thou  doest,  may  we  be  resigned  to  thy  will, 
confident  that  the  end  will  compensate  and  justify 
all. 

In  the  beloved  name  of  Christ  may  we  say,  Thy 
will  be  done.     Amen, 


II. 
AGAINST  WORLDLY-MINDEDNESS, 

Without  Thy  presence^  wealth  is  bags  of  cares  ; 

Wisdom  hut  folly ;  joy^  disquiet,  sadness; 
Friendship  is  treason,  and  delights  are  snares ; 

Pleasures  but  pain,  and  mirth  but  pleasing  madness. 

Francis  Quarles. 

He  that  loveth  life  for  the  sake  of  the  pleasures  and  advan- 
teges  it  affords,  will  soon  lose  the  love  of  heavenly  things ;  the 
love  of  God,  of  his  soul,  and  of  the  duty  he  owes  to  them.  — 
Wilson. 

What  shall  it  profit  a  man,  if  he  shall  gain  the  whole  world, 
and  lose  his  own  soul? 

How  many  perish  by  reason  of  vain  learning  in  this  world, 
who  take  little  care  of  the  serving  of  God.  —  A  Kempis. 

He  that  received  seed  among  the  thorns  is  he  that  heareth 
the  word ;  and  the  care  of  this  world,  and  the  deceitfulness 
of  riches,  choke  the  word,  and  he  becometh  unfruitful. 

Let  me  not  be  overcome,  O  Lord,  let  me  not  be  overcome 


6  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

by  flesli '  and  blood ;  let  not  the  world  and  the  brief  glory 
thereof  deceive  me.  —  A  Kempis. 

Thou  sayest,  I  am  rich,  Increased  with  goods,  and  havo 
need  of  nothing ;  and  knowest  not  that  thou  art  wretched, 
and  miserable,  and  poor,  and  blind,  and  naked. 

Shut  my  heart,  O  Lord,  against  the  love  of  worldly  richea, 
lest  I  betray  thee  as  Judas  did.  —  WUson. 

Turn  away  mine  eyes  from  beholding  vanity ;  and  quicken 
thou  me  in  thy  way. 

Let  your  conversation  be  without  covetousness ;  and  be 
content  with  such  things  as  ye  have  ;  for  he  hath  said,  I  will 
never  leave  thee  nor  forsake  thee. 

The  world  passeth  away,  and  the  lust  thereof;  but  he  that 
doeth  the  will  of  God  abideth  forever. 

Morning. 

THE  earth  is  thine,  O  God,  and  its  fulness  is  thy 
blessed  gift.  May  we  accept  all  things  from 
thee  and  love  and  enjoy  thee  in  all  things.  Yet, 
All-Holy  One,  we  do  humbly  confess  that  these 
worldly  goods,  which  are  thy  creatures,  do  too  often 
estrange  us  from  thee,  the  Creator,  and  that  they 
tempt  us  too  much  to  self-indulgence  and  pride 
and  vanity.  Forgive  us  this  one  too-ready  sin,  and 
help  us  to  watch  more  jealously,  and  guard  more 
resolutely,  against  this  ever-present  temptation. 

May  we  regard  every  good  gift  as  the  reason  of 
a  deeper  responsibility,  instead  of  a  lure  to  pleasure 
or  a  spur  to  self-conceit.     Sacredly  may  we  hold 


AGAINST  WORLDLY-MIXDEDN ESS.  7 

all  our  talents  as  under  stewardship  from  God,  and 
may  the  weight  of  them  bow  us  down  more  humbly 
before  thy  mercy-seat.  May  we  care  more  to  be- 
friend the  lowly  than  to  flatter  and  to  feast  the 
rich  and  powerful,  and  may  we  so  employ  our  time 
and  means  as  to  lay  up  the  goods  that  will  remain 
with  us  when  earthly  friends  and  favors  vanish. 

All- Wise  and  All-Holy,  graciously  animate  us 
with  a  true  purpose,  a  pervading  and  unwavering 
determination  to  do  all  our  work  as  within  thy 
kingdom,  and  hold  our  business,  our  home,  and  * 
our  pleasures  in  subjection  to  thy  laws.  Help  us 
to  bear  reverses  so  patiently  and  humbly  as  to  save 
us  alike  from  envy  of  our  neighbor's  prosperity  and 
from  repining  at  thy  good  Providence.  Enable  us 
to  consecrate  duly  our  joys,  that  when  we  are  happy 
our  blessedness  may  be  in  thee,  our  God,  and  so  our 
joys  shall  rise  and  make  our  children  and  friends 
rise  in  faith  and  gratitude  toward  thee. 

In  thy  mercy  forgive  our  overweening  love  of  the 
world,  and  establish  us  in  the  fellowship  that  is 
divine  and  abiding,  through  him  who  for  us  over- 
came the  world,  even  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen, 


o 


EVENING. 

GOD,   our  Heavenly  Father,  grant,  we  be- 
seech thee,  that  a  sense  of  thy  nearness  and 


8  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

thy  holiness  may  draw  us  away  from  eveiy  inor- 
dinate attachment  to  the  transitory,  unsatisfying 
things  of  time.  Save  us  from  worldUness  and  sin. 
Guard  us  against  the  insidious  and  deceitful  arts 
which  would  blind  us  to  our  highest  good  and  bring 
us  into  subjection  to  the  world.  Teach  us  to  have 
our  conversation  in  heaven.  Let  us  not  wander 
away  from  our  heavenly  home,  but,  while  our  hands 
and  thoughts  are  engaged  amid  the  cares  and  em- 
ployments of  time,  grant  that  we  may  bring  with  us 
into  these  employments  the  spirit  of  thine  heavenly 
kingdom,  and  be  inspired  and  guided  by  it  wherever 
we  go.  Thou,  who  embracest  all  beings  and  all 
worlds  as  if  they  were  one,  and  who  carest  for 
every  one  of  us  as  if  he  were  the  whole  universe, 
enfold  us  in  thy  love,  breathe  into  us  thy  gentle  and 
holy  spirit,  and  so  win  us  to  thyself,  that  neither 
the  world  nor  the  things  of  the  world  shall  gain 
dominion  over  us,  or  estrange  us  from  Him  who 
alone  can  satisfy  the  heart,  in  whose  presence  is 
fiilness  of  joy,  and  at  whose  right  hand  are  pleas- 
ures for  evermore,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen, 


THE   GOODNESS   OF  GOD.  ^ 

III. 

THE   GOODNESS   OF  GOD. 

The  Lord  is  never  far  away. 

Nor  sundered  from  his  flock; 
He  vf  their  refuge  and  their  stay, 

Their  peace,  their  trust,  their  rock. 
And  with  a  mother's  watchful  love 
He  guides  them  wheresoever  they  rove. 

J.   J.    SCHUTZ. 

O  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord,  for  he  is  good  ;  for  his  mercy 
endureth  forever. 

Blessed  be  the  Lord,  who  daily  loadeth  us  with  benefits, 
even  the  God  of  our  salvation. 

For  the  Lord  is  good;  his  mercy  is  everlasting;  and  his 
truth  endureth  to  all  generations. 

The  Lord  is  merciful   and  gracious,  slow  to   anger,  and 
plenteous  in  mercy. 

Like  as  a  father  pitieth  his  children,  so  the  Lord  pitieth 
them  that  fear  him. 

Thou,  Lord,  art  good,  and  ready  to  forgive  ;  and  plenteous 
in  mercy  unto  all  them  that  call  upon  thee. 

O  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord ;  call  upon  his  name :  make 
known  his  deeds  among  his  people. 

God  is  great,  therefore  will  he  be  sought ;  he  is  good,  there- 
fore will  he  be  found.  —  /.  Mason. 

Seek  the  Lord,  and  his  strength ;  seek  his  face  evermore. 
I* 


^0  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

Pie  is  the  Lord  our  God ;  his  judgments  are  In  all  the 
earth. 

This  is  the  covenant  that  I  will  make  with  the  house  of 
Israol,  saith  the  Lord:  I  will  put  my  laws  into  their  mind, 
and  write  them  in  their  hearts :  and  I  will  be  to  them  a  God, 
and  they  shall  be  to  me  a  people. 

For  I  will  be  merciful  to  their  unrighteousness,  and  their 
«ins  and  their  iniquities  will  I  remember  no  more. 

Having  these  promises,  let  us  cleanse  ourselves  from  all 
fil thine  ss  of  the  flesh  and  spirit,  perfecting  holiness  in  the 
fear  of  the  Lord. 

Morning. 

WE  would  render  thanks  unto  tliee,  O  Lord, 
for  thou  art  good,  and  thy  mercy  endureth 
forever.  We  would  praise  thee  for  thy  goodness, 
and  for  thy  wonderful  works  to  the  children  of 
men.  And  may  we  learn,  with  devout  thankful- 
ness, to  connect  the  thought  of  thy  goodness  with 
every  event  of  life  and  every  gift  of  thy  love,  till 
thou  hast  become  to  us,  as  thou  art,  the  all-em- 
bracing influence  in  which  we  live,  —  the  fountain 
of  every  pure  affection,  —  the  author  of  every  dear 
and  holy  inspiration,  —  the  atmosphere  of  love  in 
which  we  may  bathe  our  souls  with  an  infinite 
joy,  —  not  afar  off,  but  a  present  helper  in  every 
time  of  need,  ready  to  hear  and  answer  wherever 
there  is  a  heart  yearning  for  thee,  —  thou  bestower 
of  all  that  crowns  our  happiness  on  earth,  or  that 


THE   GOODNESS  OF  GOD.  H 


turns  our  sorrows  into  blessings,  —  who  art  always 
waiting  to  be.  gracious,  to  renew  our  minds  with 
ever-enlarging  and  uplifting  thoughts,  to  refresh 
our  hearts  with  affections  ever  more  expansive  aiid 
devout.  We  thank  thee  for  what  our  eyes  are 
permitted  to  see,  for  this  world  of  order  and  beauty 
which  lies  around  us ;  but  more  heartily  \nq  thank 
thee  for  what  our  eyes  cannot  see,  —  for  the  holy, 
loving  Providence  which  hems  us  in  by  defences 
too  delicate  and  gentle  to  be  perceived,  —  for  the 
hidden,  but  divine  benignity  which  rules  the  tem 
pest,  scatters  the  hoar-frost  like  ashes,  imprisons 
the  arctic  seas  in  ice,  breathes  upon  us  in  the  morn- 
ing light  and  summer  breeze,  enfolds  us  in  dark- 
ness and  sleep,  guides  the  sun  and  stars  in  their 
course,  and,  in  all  times  of  prosperity  or  tribulation, 
waits  with  love  and  tenderness  on  every  defenceless 
and  humble  soul. 

May  we  feel  that,  while  we  live  in  thee,  no  evil 
can  approach  to  do  us  harm,  and  that  amid  the 
fiercest  violence  of  the  tempest,  or  of  disease,  the 
little  child,  wrapt  in  its  own  sweet  and  trusting 
innocence,  is  surrounded  and  protected  by  a  power 
mightier  than  all  the  outward  storm  and  strife. 
We  thank  thee,  O  God,  for  the  assurance  of  thy 
love  in  Jesus  Christ,  for  the  grace,  mercy,  and 
truth  which  have  flowed  into  the  world  through 
him,  and  in  wliich  we  may  rejoice  with  joy  un- 
speakable,   and   full   of  glory.     May  we  be  made 


12  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

partakers  of  tliese,  the  richest  of  thy  gifts,  and 
through  him,  in  thy  holy  spirit,  ascribe  unto  thee 
honor  and  praise,  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen, 

Evening. 

OUR  Heavenly  Father,  thou  whose  goodness  is 
beyond  the  power  of  human  language  to  ex- 
press, we  thank  thee  for  thy  daily  care  and  provi- 
dence. May  our  minds  be  filled  with  the  recollec- 
tion of  thy  mercies.  Every  day  is  rich  with  the 
tokens  of  thy  love.  Thou  openest  thy  hand,  and 
we  are  filled  with  good.  Grant  that,  while  the 
recipients  of  thy  constant  kindness,  we  may  accept 
thy  gifts  with  grateful  affection  and  faithful  obe- 
dience. As  we  recall  thy  manifold  bounties,  we 
would  especially  thank  thee  for  the  revelation  of 
thyself  which  thou  hast  made  through  thy  beloved 
Son,  Jesus  Christ.  We  rejoice  that  he  has  taught 
us  to  call  thee  Our  Father.  With  grateful  trust 
may  we  feel  that,  in  this  hour  of  our  evening  devo- 
tions, while  we  are  kneeling  at  the  family  altar, 
thou  art  nearer  to  us  than  our  dearest  earthly 
friend ;  that  the  tie  which  binds  our  hearts  to  thee 
is  more  enduring  than  those  which  bind  us  as  a 
family  by  the  sweet  and  tender  relations  of  domestic 
life.  Thou  lovest  each  of  thy  children  with  a  deeper 
and  more  constant  love  than  that  whirjh  a  mother 
has  for  her  child.     Though  we  are  weak  and  sin- 


THE   GOODNESS   OF  GOD.  "      13 

fill,  though  we  receive  thy  free  gifts  with  murmnirs 
and  dissatisfaction,  though  we  complain  at  our  lot, 
and  sometimes  even  question  thy  moral  govern- 
ment, still  thou  dost  bear  with  our  ingratitude, 
and  art  ever  desirous  to  bless  and  sanctify  each  of 
thy  children.  Thy  love  never  fails.  Thou  mak- 
est  the  sun  to  rise  on  the  evil  and  the  good,  and 
sendest  rain  on  the  just  and  the  unjust.  Grant,  as 
thus  we  remember  thy  universal  and  impartial 
goodness,  we  may  learn  to  trust  thine  mifailing 
compassion.  If  burdened  with  the  conviction  of 
sin,  may  we  learn  to  rely  on  thy  pity.  In  grief 
thou  art  our  comforter,  in  trial  pur  refuge,  in 
trouble  our  peace,  in  sorrow  our  stay  and  joy. 
With  penitent  hearts  we  would  seek  thy  forgive 
ness.  Grant  us  the  smile  of  thy  countenance  and 
the  peace  of  reconciliation.  May  we  rely  upon 
thy  Providence,  and  learn  to  bear  our  trials  in 
patience,  bravely  striving  against  temptation  ;  ac- 
cepting the  afflictions  of  our  lot  with  cheerful  sub- 
mission, and  the  undoubting  faith  that  thou  wilt 
lead  us  through  darkness,  struggle,  and  anguish  to 
purity,  peace,  and  joy,  and  tliat  thus  we  may  reap 
the  fruits  of  a  Christian  experience,  and  grow  daily 
'n  the  knowledge  of  the  wisdom  and  love  of  thee, 
and  a  more  unfailing  obedience  to  the  precepts  of 
thy  Son,  Jesus  Christ.  And  unto  thee,  the  King 
immortal,  eternal,  the  only  true  God,  be  glory  for- 
ever.    Amen. 


14  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

IV, 

PERSONAL  PIETY, 

StUl  to  the  lowly  soul 
He  doth  Himself  impart^ 
And  for  His  cradle  and  His  throne 
Chooseih  the  pure  in  heart. 

Eeble. 

In  the  moruing  fix  thy  good  purpose ;  and  at  night  examine 
thyself  what  thou  hast  done,  how  thou  hast  behaved  thyself  in 
word,  deed,  and  thought.  —  A  Kempis. 

Add  to  your  faith,  virtue ;  and  to  virtue,  knowledge ;  and  to 
knowledge,  temperance ;  and  to  temperance,  patience ;  and  to 
patience,  godliness ; 

And  to  godliness,  brotherly  kindness ;  and  to  brotherly  kind- 
ness, charity. 

For  if  these  things  be  in  you,  and  abound,  they  make  you 
that  ye  shall  neither  be  barren  nor  unfruitful  in  the  knowl- 
edge of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

Piety,  which  is  a  true  devotion  to  God,  consists  in  doing  all 
his  will  precisely  at  the  time,  in  the  situation,  and  under  the 
circumstances,  in  which  he  has  placed  us.  —  Fenelon. 

Piety  supplieth  us  with  business  of  a  most  worthy  nature, 
and  lofty  importance ;  it  engageth  us  to  free  our  minds  from 
all  fond  conceits  and  cleanse  our  hearts  from  all  corrupt  affec- 
tions ; 

To  curb  our  brutish  appetites,  to  tame  our  wild  passions, 
to  correct  our  perverse  inclinations,  to  conform  the  disposi- 


PERSONAL  PIETY.  15 

tions  of  our  soul,  and  the  actions  of  our  life,  to  the  eternal 
laws  of  righteousness  and  goodness.  —  Dr.  Barrow. 

lliou  wilt  never  be  thus  inwardly  religious,  unless  thou  pass 
ovei'  other  men's  matters  with  silence,  and  look  especially  to 
thyself — A  Kempis. 

No  man  can  hinder  our  private  addresses  to  God,  every 
man  can  build  a  chapel  in  his  breast,  himself  the  priest,  his 
heart  the  sacrifice,  and  the  earth  he  treads  on  the  altar. — 
Taylor. 

Morning. 

OTHOU  who  hast  scattered  the  shades  of  night 
by  the  bright  beams  of  the  dawn,  and  in  thy 
tender  mercy  hast  safely  brought  us  to  the  begin- 
ning of  this  new  day ;  shine  into  our  hearts,  we 
beseech  thee,  with  the  light  of  thy  truth ;  dispel 
all  dark  thoughts  from  our  minds,  and  blot  out  our 
sins  as  the  morning  cloud. 

Precious,  O  Lord,  are  thy  gifts,  which  are  new 
to  us  every  morning  and  every  night:  dear  to  us 
are  the  earthly  comforts  which  thou  hast  kindly 
provided,  —  our  home,  our  friends,  our  daily  bread, 
and  our  nightly  rest ;  —  and  for  them  all  and  each 
we  offer  our  humble  thanksgivings.  But  more  pre- 
cious than  all  to  us,  O  our  Heavenly  Father,  is 
that  faith  in  thy  infinite  goodness,  and  that  hope 
in  thy  never-failing  mercy,  with  which  thou  hast 
inspired  our  souls  through  thy  beloved  Son.  For 
him,  thine  unspeakable  gift,  the  brightness  of  thy 
paternal  glory,  the  true  and  unfading  light  of  life. 


16  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

we  would  bless  tliee  when  we  lie  down  and  when 
we  rise  up,  when  morning  rises  in  brightness,  or 
night  gathers  in  gloom.  Let  the  sweet  and  sacred 
thought  of  him  dwell  in  our  minds,  and  his  pure 
influence  abide  with  us  all  the  day  long ;  to  save 
us  from  the  power  of  sin,  to  win  us  from  the  allure- 
ments of  evil,  and  to  draw  us  nearer  to  thee.  May 
the  Good  Shepherd  lead  us  forth  to  the  duties  of 
this  day,  as  he  doth  his  own  flock,  going  before 
us  to  guide  and  to  guard ;  and  may  we  meekly 
and  obediently  follow  him,  listening  to  his  voice  as 
it  calls,  and  teaches,  and  warns,  and  comforts  us ; 
and  not  hearkening  to  the  voice  of  strangers,  who 
have  no  love  nor  pity  for  our  souls.  In  every 
condition  and  circumstance  of  life  may  we  look 
unto  him,  to  know  what  is  our  duty  and  to  obtain 
strength  to  perform  it.  May  we  learn  of  him  how 
to  maintain  a  lowly  mind,  and  yet  an  aspiring  spirit ; 
how  to  suffer,  and  yet  rejoice  ;  not  to  resist  evil, 
and  still  to  overcome  it ;  to  live  in  the  world,  and 
yet  to  live  above  the  world. 

O  gracious  Lord,  what  treasures  of  wisdom  and 
love  and  blessedness  hast  thou  hid  for  us,  thy  frail 
and  erring,  and  yet  most  favored  children,  in  thy 
Son  I  Let  them  be  the  chosen  object  of  our  study 
and  pursuit,  before  all  riches,  and  learning,  and 
earthly  honors  and  rewards. 

May  the  eyes  of  our  understanding  be  enlight- 
ened, that  we  may  know  what  is  the  hope  of  his 


PERSONAL  PIETY.  17 

calling,  and  what  are  the  riches  of  the  glory  of  his 
inheritance  in  the  saints,  and  what  is  the  exceeding 
greatness  of  his  power  to  bless  and  to  save  all  those 
who  believe  in  him.  May  we  be  able  to  compre- 
hend, with  all  his  true  disciples,  what  is  the  breadth 
and  length  and  depth  and  height ;  and  to  know 
the  love  of  Christ,  which  passeth  knowledge,  that 
we  may  be  filled  with  all  the  fulness  of  God. 

Now  unto  Him  who  is  able  to  do  for  us  exceed- 
ing abundantly,  above  all  that  we  can  ask  or  think, 
be  glory  and  honor,  through  Jesus  Christ,  for  eve 
and  ever.     Amen, 

Evening. 

OGOD,  thou  who  art  the  source  of  every  bless- 
ing, the  giver  of  every  good  and  perfect  gift, 
grant  us  the  aid  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  we  may 
be  sanctified,  and  made  the  recipients  of  rich  love 
and  indwelUng  peace.  We  need  thy  forgiveness, 
and  would  seek  thy  favor.  Trusting  in  thy  free 
and  boundless  grace,  we  most  earnestly  desire  that 
thou  wouldst  take  up  thy  abode  in  our  hearts. 
Make  us  wholly  thine.  Without  thee  we  are  noth- 
ing, and  can  do  nothing.  But  in  our  weakness  and 
poverty  of  soul  thou  hast  promised  to  hear  our  cry. 
Keep  us  from  sin.  We  need  thee.  We  seek  thee. 
Come  now,  O  God,  in  thine  infinite  mercy,  and 
bless  us,  thine  offending  children.     Spare  us,  good 


18  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

Lord.  Stir  our  souls  to  greater  diligence,  and 
quicken  within  us  more  devout  aspiration.  May 
our  consciences  be  pierced  with  the  arrow  of  con- 
trition, so  that,  through  the  conviction  of  past  sins 
and  the  spiritual  renewal  of  faith,  we  may  be  born 
anew  in  Christ  Jesus.  By  the  constant  renewing 
of  our  minds,  may  we  walk  with  him  in  the  regen- 
eration, and  grow  daily  into  the  knowledge  and 
love  of  thee,  and  obedience  to  thy  commandments. 
We  pray  for  the  members  of  this  household,  and 
may  each  give  to  thee  the  heart's  sincere  and 
lowly  service.  Grant  that  there  may  be  hi  each 
of  our  souls  a  true  Bethel,  from  which  shall  arise 
the  lowly  incense  of  pure  devotion,  and  may  the 
offering  thus  holy  and  acceptable  in  thy  sight  bring 
to  thy  children  the  angel  ministries  of  purity  and 
peace. 

We  plead  with  thee  for  a  more  sanctified  life. 
Lift  us  up  out  of  sin  and  folly.  May  we  feel  thy 
presence,  and  see  thy  smile,  and  through  a  personal 
experience  taste  of  the  richness  and  know  the  joys 
of  true  piety.  Thou  wilt  dwell  near  thy  lowly 
children :  may  we  welcome  thee  to  our  hearts,  so 
that  we  may  know  the  height  and  depth,  the 
length  and  breadth,  of  the  love  of  thee.  May  we 
daily  grow  into  a  knowledge  of  thy  goodness,  live 
more  devoted  to  thy  service,  and  more  singly  to 
thy  glory.  And  thine  shall  be  the  praise,  through 
Christ  our  Redeemer.     Amen. 


ACTIVE    VIRTUE.  19 


ACTIVE   VIRTUE, 

Action  still  must  wait  on  thought ; 

Life  *s  a  voyage^  rough  though  short ; 

We  must  dare  the  sorrow-wave^ 

Many  a  sin-storm  we  must  brave, 

Ere  we  reach  our  destined  port. 

Anon. 

Let  your  light  so  shine  before  men,  that  they  may  see  your 
good  works,  and  glorify  your  Father  which  is  in  heaven. 

A  contemplative  life,  which  does  not  cast  any  beam  of  heat 
or  light  upon  human  society,  is  not  known  to  divinity. — 
Bacon. 

Let  us  do  good  unto  all  men. 

For  not  the  hearers  of  the  law  are  just  before  Grod,  but  the 
tioers  of  the  law  shall  be  justified. 

Men  should  know  that,  in  this  theatre  of  man's  life,  it  is 
reserved  only  for  God  and  angels  to  be  lookers-on. — Bacon. 

Seeing  that  the  love  of  God  is  never  standing  idle,  so  be  ye 
constantly  abounding  in  good  works,  enduring  all  that  befalls 
you  cheerfully,  for  God's  sake.  —  Tauler. 

The  works  of  mercy  are  so  many  as  the  affections  of  mercj 
have  objects,  or  as  the  world  hath  kinds  of  misery.  —  Taylor. 

God  is  the  fountain  of  honor  ;  and  the  conduit  by  which  he 
conveys  it  to  the  sons  of  men  are  virtues  and  generous  prac- 
Vices.  —  South. 

The  grand  deciding  question  at  the  last  day  will  be,  not, 


20  ALTAR  AT  HOME, 

What  have  you  said  ?   or,  What  have  you  believed  ?   but, 
What  have  you  done  more  than  others  ?  —  South. 

Be  ye  doers  of  the  word,  not  hearers  only. 

Then  shall  the  king  say,  Come,  ye  blessed  of  my  Father, 
inherit  the  kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the  foundation  of 
the  world. 

For  I  was  an  hungered,  and  ye  gave  me  meat ;  I  was  thirsty, 
and  ye  gave  me  drink  ;  I  was  a  stranger,  and  ye  took  me  in  ; 
naked,  and  ye  clothed  me ;  I  was  sick,  and  ye  visited  me ;  I 
was  in  prison,  and  ye  came  unto  me. 

Morning. 

^  It /TERCIFUL  God,  whose  loving-kindness  never 
-LtJL  slumbers  nor  sleeps,  we  thank  thee  for  the 
secure  repose  of  the  night,  and  for  the  returning 
blessings  of  the  day.  To  thee  and  thy  service 
would  we  surrender  all  the  powers  with  which 
thou  hast  endowed  us.  In  gladness  and  gratitude 
would  we  offer  our  whole  being,  as  a  living  sacri- 
fice, on  the  altar  of  love  and  duty.  We  seek  the 
wisdom  which  cometh  from  above  to  guide  us  in 
the  employment  of  our  time  and  in  the  direction  of 
our  labors.  May  we  be  inspired  with  love  for  thee 
and  for  all  thou  hast  made ;  and  permit  us  to  be 
thy  ministers  of  peace  and  good-will  to  men.  May 
it  be  our  meat  and  drink  to  do  thy  will.  May  we 
be  rea/ly  to  every  good  word  and  work,  regardless 
of  our  selfish  interests,  and  unmoved  by  the  smile? 
or  frowns  of  the  world. 


ACTIVE    VIRTUE.  21 

Father,  deliver  us  from  evil !  Save  us  from 
ourselves.  May  we  be  victorious  over  pride  and 
passion,  over  self-will  and  sensuality.  Purify  our 
hearts  and  enlighten  our  eyes,  that  we  may  know 
the  meaning  and  the  uses  of  life,  and  that  we  may 
see  thee  in  all  events  and  in  all  thy  works.  May 
our  existence  be  sacred  to  us,  because  we  are  thy 
children,  continually  having  our  being  in  thee.  In 
all  our  daily  duties,  may  we  rejoice  that  we  are 
workers  together  with  God.  So  help  us  to  follow 
Christ  by  patient  continuance  in  well-doing,  till 
thy  grace  shall  exalt  us  to  share  his  glory  at  thv 
right  hand  forevermore.     Amen, 

Evening. 

WE  bless  thee,  all-perfect  Father,  for  thy  pres- 
ence, thy  strength,  and  thy  comforts  grant- 
ed us  during  the  hours  of  this  day.  Without  thee, 
we  should  have  nothing  and  be  nothing.  But  thoiv 
hast  been  pleased  to  appoint  that  thy  purposes 
should  be  carried  forward  by  the  efforts  which  thy 
children  make  according  to  thy  Holy  Word.  With 
our  human  weakness  and  frailty  thine  infinite  pow- 
er and  providence  come  into  union ;  and  thou  hast 
taught  us  that  we  should  work  for  the  same  great 
ends  for  which  thou,  by  thy  Spirit,  art  working. 
In  every  effort  to  do  thy  will  may  we  feel  that  we 
have  a  true  oneness  with  all   who  love  thy  com- 


22  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

mands,  whether  on  earth  or  in  heaven ;  and  a 
oneness  with  our  blessed  Master  and  Saviour,  and 
through  him  with  thyself.  May  we  not  shun 
the  occasions  which  offer  for  doing  good  by  the 
sacrifice  of  our  inclinations  or  convenience.  May 
we  go  forward  through  every  conflict  where  duty 
calls,  in  the  strength  of  the  Lord  our  God.  May 
it  seem  to  us  a  small  thing  to  be  judged  of  man's 
judgment,  but  may  our  own  hearts  condemn  us 
not.  Fill  us  with  that  love  and  trust  which  cast 
out  fear.  May  our  souls  be  in  sympathy  with 
them  who  are  in  adversity,  and  with  all  who  are 
under  any  manner  of  wrong  or  oppression  from 
evil  men.  May  our  words  ever  be  faithful,  and 
our  action  earnest  and  effectual,  to  relieve  sorrow, 
and  to  build  up  thy  kingdom  in  the  world,  ac- 
cording to  the  Gospel  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
Amm, 


CONFESSION  OF  SIN.  23 

VI. 

CONFESSION  OF  SIN. 

Foolish  fears  and  fond  desires, 

Vain  regrets  for  things  as  vain; 
Lips  too  seldom  taught  to  praise^ 

Oft  to  murmur  and  complain : 
These  and  every  secret  faidtj 

Filled  with  grief  and  shame,  we  oion; 
Humbled  at  thy  feet  we  lie. 

Seeking  pardon  at  thy  throne. 

John  Taylor. 

I  will  confess  against  myself  mine  own  unrighteousness ;  I 
will  confess  my  weakness  unto  thee,  O  Lord.  —  A  Kempis. 

Whoso  confesseth  and  forsaketh  his  sin  shall  have  mercy. 

He  that  confesses  with  his  tongue,  and  wants  confession  in 
his  heart,  is  either  a  vain  man  or  a  hypocrite  : 

He  that  hath  confession  in  his  heart,  and  wants  it  on  his 
tongue,  is  either  a  proud  man,  or  a  timorous.  —  Bp.  Hall. 

]  have  sinned  against  Heaven,  and  in  thy  sight. 

0  Lord  God,  behold,  we  are  before  thee  in  our  trespasses ; 
we  cannot  stand  before  thee  for  this. 

1  acknowledge  my  sin  unto  thee,  O  God,  and  mine  iniqui- 
ties will  I  not  hide. 

I  am  merciful,  saith  the  Lord,  and  I  will  not  keep  anger 
forever.  Only  acknowledge  thine  iniquity,  that  thou  hast 
transgressed  against  the  Lord  thy  God. 


24  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

If  we  confess  our  sins,  God  is  faithful  and  just  to  forgivo  us 
our  sins,  and  to  cleanse  us  from  ail  unrighteousness. 

Examine  diligently  thy  conscience,  and  to  the  utmost  of 
thy  power  purify  and  make  it  clear,  with  true  contrition  and 
humble  confession  ;  so  as  there  may  be  nothing  in  thee  that 
may  weigh  heavy  upon  thee,  or  may  breed  in  thee  remorse 
of  conscience.  —  A  Kempis. 

He  that  covereth  his  sins  shall  not  prosper ;  but  whoso  con- 
fesseth  and  forsaketh  them  shall  have  mercy. 

We  have  sinned,  and  have  committed  iniquity,  and  have 
done  wickedly,  and  have  rebelled,  even  by  departing  from 
thy  precepts. 

To  the  Lord  our  God  belong  mercies  and  forgivenesses, 
though  we  have  rebelled  against  him. 

O  Lord,  hear  !  O  Lord,  forgive  !  O  Lord,  hearken,  and  do  ! 
defer  not. 

For  I  acknowledge  my  transgressions ;  and  my  sin  is  ever 
before  me. 

Wash  me  thoroughly  from  mine  iniquity,  and  cleanse  me 
from  my  sin. 

Morning. 

GOD  over  all,  forever  blessed !  the  new  light 
of  this  new  day  is  from  thee,  and  as  it  shines 
about  us  we  would  come  into  thy  presence,  O  thou 
everlasting  Father  and  Friend.  Meet  us  in  our 
coming,  we  pray  thee,  and  out  of  thine  abounding 
grace  in  Christ  Jesus  minister  to  our  heart's  neces- 
sities.    Thou  seest  what  we  are.     Our  foolishness 


CONFESSION   OF  SIN.  25 

and  our  sins  are  known  to  thee ;  and  even  to  us, 
blind  and  wayward  as  we  are,  they  are  grievous 
and  reproachful.  We  would  confess  them  and  for- 
sake them.  Let  them  not  hinder  our  coming  to 
thee,  but  may  we  have  entire  faith  in  that  most 
tender  love  which  looks  out  upon  us  through  the 
face  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  saith  unto  us  by  his 
lips,  "  Thy  sins  are  forgiven  thee."  O  thou  blessed 
Spirit  of  power  and  goodness !  help  us  this  day  to 
keep  thy  commandments.  Enlarge  our  hearts  unto 
those  high  measures  of  fidelity  and  patience  and 
charity !  May  we  worship  and  do  thy  sweet  and 
holy  will.  Let  that  which  is  perfect  come  within 
us,  and  that  wdiich  is  in  part  shall  be  done  away ! 
Reconcile  us  unto  thyself!  May  we  be  born  of 
water  and  of  the  spirit !  May  we  be  saved  hence- 
forth froiti  everything  evil  and  unlovely !  Thy 
grace,  O  Lord,  sliall  be  sufficient  for  us,  and  we 
will  strive  to  lay  hold  of  thy  strong  and  gentle 
hand,  and  though  our  steps  should  falter  for  a 
moment,  thou  wilt  hold  us  up  in  thy  paths.  Make 
this  day  a  day  of  love  and  faithfulness ;  —  love  in 
our  hearts  and  in  our  household ;  faithfulness  in 
all  that  our  lips  find  to  utter,  in  all  that  our  hands 
find  to  do.  May  those  who  are  dear  to  our  hearts 
be  enriched  with  the  frequency  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
and  with  the  treasures  that  are  laid  up  m  heaven, 
until  we  shall  all  come  in  the  unity  of  trie  faith 
and   the   knowledge   of  the    Son   of   God   unto   a 


26  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

perfect  man,  unto  the  measure  of  the  stature  of 
the  fulness  of  Christ,  for  whom  we  thank  thee  and 
in  whom  we  adore  and  bless  thee.     Amen. 

Evening. 

OUR  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  hallowed  be 
thy  name.  At  the  close  of  another  day  of 
our  brief  earthly  life,  through  which  thy  hand  has 
supported  and  thy  love  has  blessed  us,  we,  thy  frail 
and  erring  children,  would  reverently  kneel  before 
thy  throne,  to  thank  thee  for  thy  unmerited  favors 
and  offer  our  evening  prayer. 

From  this  fleeting  world,  with  all  its  engrossing 
cares  and  vanities,  from  all  our  wanderings  of 
thought  and  way,  O  holy  and  merciful  Father,  we 
would  now  return  to  thee,  with  penitence  and  fil- 
ial trust.  Receive  us,  we  beseech  thee,  and  look 
down  graciously  upon  us,  though  we  bring  only 
that  sacrifice  of  a  contrite  heart,  which  thy  sacred 
word  has  assured  us  thou  wilt  not  despise.  We 
earnestly  desire  to  be  at  peace  with  thee.  We 
would  be  sorry  for  everything  in  our  lives  which 
has  been  contrary  to  thy  holy  will,  and  prevented 
our  hearts  from  communing  with  and  enjoying  thee. 
The  experience  of  another  period  of  action  and  trial 
has  deepened  our  sense  of  imperfection  and  unwor- 
thiness.  We  have  left  undone  those  things  which 
we  ought  to  have  done,  and  we  have  done  thosa 


CONFESSION   OF  SIN.  27 

thirgs  which  we  ought  not  to  have  done.  We 
have  not  Hved  as  thy  children,  nor  sought  to  glorify 
thee  as  our  Heavenly  Father.  Oui'  affections  have 
been  too  strongly  set  upon  earthly  things.  We  have 
not  always  enjoyed  thy  gifts  with  a  lively  gratitude, 
nor  borne  our  disappointments  with  a  cheerful  sub- 
mission. We  have  not  watched  against  temptation, 
nor  strenuously  resisted  it.  We  have  not  had  our 
conversation  in  the  world  in  simplicity  and  godly 
sincerity ;  nor  diligently  practised  self-denial,  hu- 
mility, brotherly  kindness,  and  charity.  Our  owm 
hearts,  O  God,  as  we  search  them  before  thee, 
condemn  us  of  doubts  and  fears,  follies  iind  impu- 
rities, vain  thoughts  and  unholy  desires,  xnchristian 
feelings,  words,  and  deeds.  Thou  art  greater  than 
our  hearts  in  knowledge  of  our  sins.  And,  blessed 
be  thy  name,  thou  art  greater  also  in  forgiveness, 
and  in  power  to  purge  away  our  transgressions, 
and^  to  renew  and  sanctify  us  in  the  spirit  of  our 
mhids.  Have  mercy  upon  us,  O  Lord,  according 
to  thy  loving-kindness ;  for  we  acknowledge  our 
transgressions.  Hide  thy  face  from  our  sins,  and 
blot  out  all  our  iniquities.  Create  in  us  a  clean 
heart,  O  God ;  and  renew  a  right  spirit  within  us. 
Cast  us  not  away  from  thy  presence ;  and  take 
not  thy  Holy  Spirit  from  us.  In  the  name  of  thy 
blessed  Son,  who  came  from  thy  bosom  to  manifest 
thy  mercy  towards  our  erring  race,  to  invite  sin- 
ners  to   repentance,   and   to    seal    thy  promise    of 


28  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

pardon  m  liis  most  precious  blood,  we  now  suppli- 
cate thy  forgiveness  ;  and  commending  ourselves,  in 
humble  trust,  to  thy  compassion  and  protecting  care, 
will  lay  us  down  in  hope,  and  sleep.  Guard  us, 
O  thou  Keeper  of  Israel,  through  the  hours  of 
darkness,  from  all  harm  and  danger,  from  all  dis- 
quieting thoughts  and  evil  influences,  and  wake  us, 
if  it  be  thy  good  pleasure,  in  the  morning,  re- 
freshed and  renewed  by  sweet  and  pure  slumbers, 
to  praise  thee  with  new  gratitude  and  serve  thee 
with  new  obedience,  among  the  faithful  and  joyous 
believers  in  Jesus  Christ,  our  Redeemer.     Amen, 


VII. 

THE  BREVITT  OF  LIFE, 

Teach  me  the  measure  of  my  days, 
Thou  maker  of  my  frame ; 

I  would  survey  life's  narrow  space, 
And  learn  how  frail  I  am. 


Watts. 


Behold,  thou  hast  made  my  days  as  a  handbreadth ;  ano 
mine  age  is  as  nothing  before  thee :  verily,  every  man  at  hia 
best  state  is  altogether  vanity. 

O  how  wise  and  happy  is  he  that  now  laboreth  to  be  such 


THE  BREVITY  OF  LIFE.  29 

an  one  in  his  life,  as  he  wisheth  to  be  found  at  the  hour  of  his 
death.  —  A  Kempis. 

One  generation  passeth  away,  and  another  generation 
Cometh  ;  but  the  earth  abideth  forever. 

Here  we  have  no  continuing  city,  but  we  seek  one  to  come. 

What  man  is  he  that  desireth  life,  and  loveth  many  days, 
that  he  may  see  good  ?  Keep  thy  tongue  from  evil,  and  thy 
lips  from  speaking  guile.  Depart  from  evil,  and  do  good; 
seek  peace  and  pursue  it. 

What  is  your  life  ?  It  is  even  a  vapor,  that  appeareth  for 
a  little  time,  and  then  vanisheth  away. 

We  spend  our  years  as  a  tale  that  is  told.  So  teach  us  to 
number  our  days,  that  we  may  apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom. 

Life  is  a  smile  that  flutters  on  our  lips,  a  shadow,  an  ap- 
pearance, a  dewdrop,  a  breath,  a  dream,  a  torrent  which 
flows  away.  —  St.  Gregory. 

Yet  this  very  instability  of  human  things,  O  blessed  wisdom 
of  God,  is  in  the  perfection  of  thy  decrees  ;  that  by  it  we  may 
be  compelled  to  seek  after  solid  and  unchangeable  good.  — 
St.  Gregory. 

Happy  is  the  man  that  findeth  wisdom,  and  the  man  that 
getteth  understanding. 

Length  of  days  is  in  her  right  hand ;  and  in  her  left  hand 
riches  and  honor. 

The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning  of  wisdom ;  and  the 
knowledge  of  the  holy  is  understanding. 

Though  a  sinner  do  evil  an  hundred  times,  and  his  days 
be  prolonged,  yet  surely  I  know  that  it  shall  be  well  with 
them  tha/  fear  God.  But  it  shall  not  be  well  with  the 
wicked. 


30  ALTAR  AT  HQME. 


Morning. 


ETERNAL  God,  to  whom  our  mortal  years  are 
but  a  span,  —  Author  and  Sustainer  of  our  be- 
ing, —  with  a  solemn  sense  of  the  great  mystery  of 
life,  we  would  welcome  this  new  day  as  a  gift  from 
thee.  And  while  we  rejoice  in  the  anticipations 
with  which  we  are  permitted  to  look  forward  to  its 
hours,  we  would  realize  also  the  uncertainty  of  all, 
as  we  remember  how  frail  we  are.  Even  the  bright 
return  of  morning  reminds  us  of  the  rapidity  of  time 
and  change. 

Yet,  O  thou  God  of  infinite  love,  we  thank  thee 
that  this  solemn  thought  is  not  a  thought  of  gloom, 
but  that,  though  we  are  indeed  like  the  grass  of  the 
field  in  our  frailty  and  the  insecurity  of  our  days, 
yet,  amid  all  the  uncertainty,  there  is  something 
sure.  Though  the  grass  withereth  and  the  flower 
fadeth,  the  word  of  the  Lord  abideth  forever.  To 
tliat  enduring  word,  O  God,  we  turn.  It  gives  us 
a  promise  of  a  life  that  knows  no  blight  nor  change. 
It  tells  us  of  heaven,  and  of  thy  unfailing  love.  It 
speaks  to  us  of  Jesus,  the  Way  and  Guide  to  thee. 
•O,  may  the  thought  of  these  blessed  realities  sanc- 
tify the  hours  of  this  present  day.  And  while  we 
consider  the  shortness  of  our  lives,  may  we  be  mind- 
fiil  of  the  preciousness  of  every  passing  moment. 
May  we  remember  that  every  hour  brings  its  sacred 
r«isponsibilities,  and  opens  to  us  its  holy  uses  and 


THE  BREVITY  OF  LIFE.  31 

ways  of  attaining  eternal  good.  O  grant  that  we 
may  be  faithful  to  them  all.  Let  it  not  be  that  we 
shall  any  longer  turn  a  deaf  ear  to  the  voice  which 
calls  us  to  glory  and  immortality.  May  we  so  live, 
with  our  lamps  trimmed  and  burning,  that,  whenever 
the  Bridegroom  cometh,  we  shall  meet  him  with  joy ; 
and  may  these  days  of  our  earthly  life,  however  few 
they  are,  be  rich  in  those  imperishable  fruits  which 
shall  abide  with  us  forever. 

Father,  hear  us  in  this  our  prayer,  and  keep  us  in 
thy  fear,  through  thine  infinite  mercy,  revealed  to 
us  in  Jesus  Christ.     Amen, 

Evening. 

A  LMIGHTY  God,  our  Heavenly  Father  ;  thou 
JTJL  who  art  from  everlasting  to  everlasting ;  we, 
thy  children,  whose  days  are  numbered,  and  whose 
years  come  to  an  end,  bow  before  thee  at  this  even- 
ing hour,  in  humble  acknowledgment  of  our  depend- 
ence. We  desire  to  lift  up  our  hearts  to  thee  in 
grateful  homage,  that  thou  hast  preserved  us  through 
another  day  and  hast  been  very  gracious  and  merci- 
ful to  us.  We  would  remember  and  confess  before 
thee,  O  God,  our  imperfections  and  our  sins.  We 
have  not  had  thee  in  all  our  thoughts  ;  we  have 
not  walked  according  to  thy  law  and  thy  command- 
ments in  all  our  Ways ;  we  have  not  been  followers 
together  of  tlie  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  all  that  we 


32  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

have  done.  Do  thou  forgive  us,  our  Heavenly  Fa- 
ther ;  and  blot  out  our  miquities,  and  give  us  grace 
and  strength  from  heaven  henceforth  to  be  thy 
obedient  children. 

We  would  remember  before  thee,  O  God,  our 
mortality.  So  teach  us  to  number  our  days  that 
we  may  apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom.  Give  us 
grace  to  realize  that  we  are  but  sojourners  in  our 
earthly  homes,  and  that  we  must  all,  sooner  or  later, 
follow  on  after  the  generations  who  have  gone  be- 
fore us.  Help  us,  O  God,  we  beseech  thee,  to  be 
faithful  and  diligent  in  our  appointed  sphere  of  labor 
and  duty  during  the  time  allotted  to  us  in  this  pres- 
ent life,  that  we  may  be  prepared  for  the  change 
which  awaits  us,  and  ready  for  our  departure  at 
thine  own  summons.  Impress  upon  our  hearts,  we 
beseech  thee,  a  devout  sense  of  the  sacredness  of  the 
opportunities  and  privileges  which  tliou  art  every 
day  granting  us,  and,  as  the  time  is  short,  teach  us 
how  to  make  a  wise  use  of  them  in  the  days  or  years 
which  remain  to  us  in  this  world. 

O  God,  at  this  evening  hour  we  would  remember 
before  thee  our  friends  and  all  wlio  have  an  interest 
in  our  hearts,  and  commend  them  to  thy  fatherly 
care  and  blessing,  and  to  tlie  teachings  of  thy  Holy 
Spirit. 

Bless  the  whole  world,  we  beseech  thee,  with  a 
knowledge  of  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus  Christ ;  and 
may  the  time  speedily  come  when  all  nations  and 


SEEING   GOD  IN  HIS   WORKS.  33 

all  people  shall  render  unto  thee  the  homage  of  obe- 
dience and  love.  And  thine  shall  be  the  praise  for- 
evermore.      A.men, 


VIII. 

SEEING   GOD  IN  HIS   WORKS. 

Thou  art,  0  God,  the  life  and  light 
Of  all  this  wondrous  world  we  see  ; 

Its  glow  by  day,  its  smile  by  night, 
Are  but  reflections  caught  from  thee; 

Where'er  we  turn,  thy  glories  shine, 

And  ail  things  fair  and  bright  are  thine. 

Moore. 

The  heavens  declare  the  glory  of  God  ;  and  the  firmament 
dhoweth  his  handiwork. 

Day  unto  day  uttereth  speech,  and  night  unto  night  showeth 
knowledge. 

By  the  word  of  the  Lord  were  the  heavens  made ;  and  all 
the  host  of  them  by  the  breath  of  his  mouth. 

For  he  spake,  and  it  was  done ;  he  commanded,  and  it  stood 
fast. 

The  day  Is  thine,  the  night  also  is  thine :  thou  hast  pre- 
pared the  light  and  the  sun. 

In  the  face  of  the  sun  you  may  see  God's  beauty ;  in  the 
fire  you  may  feel  his  heat  warming ;  in  the  water,  his  gentle- 
ness to  refresh  you  :  it  is  the  dew  of  heaven  that  makes  your 
field  give  you  bread.  —  Taylor. 

2*  0 


84  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

He  giveth  snow  like  wool:  he  scatteretb  the  hoar-frost  like 
ashes. 

He  casteth  forth  his  ice  like  morsels ;  who  can  stand  b(jfore 
his  cold  ? 

He  stretcheth  out  the  heavens  as  a  curtain,  and  spreadeth 
them  out  as  a  tent  to  dwell  in. 

Lift  up  your  eyes  on  high,  and  behold  who  h^th  created 
these  things,  that  bringeth  out  their  host  by  number  ;  he  call- 
eth  them  all  by  names,  by  the  greatness  of  his  might,  for  that 
he  is  strong  in  power  ;  not  one  faileth. 

The  sea  is  his,  and  he  made  it ;  and  his  hands  formed  the 
dry  land. 

O  Lord,  how  manifold  are  thy  works !  in  wisdom  hast  thou 
made  them  all :  the  earth  is  full  of  thy  riches. 

If  the  works  are  so  perfect,  how  glorious  must  be  the  Maker 
of  them  !  If  the  beauty  of  that  which  he  has  created  is  inex- 
pressibly great,  infinitely  greater  must  be  that  Being  who  sur- 
veys all  creation  at  a  single  glance. — Sturrn. 

O  come,  let  us  worship  and  bow  down ;  let  us  kneel  before 
the  Lord  our  Maker. 

Morning. 

ALMIGHTY  God,  may  the  gift  of  a  new  day 
waken  our  hearts  to  new  thoughts  of  love  and 
nraise.  We  thank  thee  for  the  continual  revelations 
of  thyself  through  the  works  of  thy  hand.  The 
morning  is  the  light  of  thy  smile.  The  night  is  the 
shadow  of  thy  protecting  wing.  The  bounty  which 
supphes  our  daily  returning  wants,  is  the  manna 


SEEING   GOD  IN  HIS    WORKS.  35 

whicli  thou  dost  shower  down  upon  our  path.  All 
the  gifts  of  thy  Providence  are  the  manifestations 
of  that  love  which  never  slumbers  nor  sleeps. 
Thou  touchest  the  earth,  and  it  is  covered  with 
beauty.  Every  bush  burns  with  thy  presence. 
Every  flower  blooms  as  a  fresh  token  of  thy  love. 
Thou  settest  fast  the  mountains,  and  spreadest  out 
the  seas  as  symbols  of  thy  power.  Thou  crownest 
the  years  with  thy  goodness,  and  sendest  the  seed- 
times and  harvests  in  unbroken  succession,  to  be  the 
constant  proofs  of  thy  unchangeable  mercy.  Heav- 
en and  earth  show  forth  thy  loving-kindness,  and 
declare  thy  righteousness. 

O  God,  teach  us  how  to  read  this  book  of  thy 
love.  Send  the  spirit  of  Jesus,  thy  Son,  into  our 
hearts,  to  open  our  eyes,  and  unloose  the  seals. 
While  we  see  in  the  splendors  of  the  firmament  the 
disclosures  of  thy  eternal  power  and  Godhead,  may 
we  look  upon  each  lily  of  the  field  as  a  symbol  of 
the  love  which  visits  every  smallest  thing,  the  grace 
that  waits  to  bless  every  humble  heart.  Give  us  an 
ear  to  hear  day  unto  day  uttering  speech,  and  night 
unto  night  showing  forth  the  knowledge  of  thee, 
until  the  whole  world  shall  seem  to  be  filled  with 
thy  praise. 

And  yet,  O  God,  while  we  learn  to  see  thee  in 
thy  works,  teach  us  to  feel  that  all  this  grandeur  and 
beauty  cannot  fully  reveal  thy  love.  The  heaven 
of  heavens  cannot  contain  thee.     The  universe  can 


36  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

only  give  a  shadow  of  thy  power  and  thy  mercy. 
Give  to  us  a  perpetual  sense  of  the  higher  glories 
of  the  Holy  of  Holies,  in  thy  more  immediate  pres- 
ence, while  we  stand  here  in  the  outer  courts  of 
our  Father's  house.  May  the  spirit  of  Him  who 
came  to  be  the  express  image  of  thy  person,  the  in- 
carnation of  thy  love,  make  us  now  the  sons  of  God, 
and  prepare  us  for  that  higher  world  where  we  know 
not  what  we  shall  be,  but  in  which  we  shall  see  thee 
as  thou  art  for  evermore. 

Hear,  forgive,  accept  us,  as   disciples  of  Jesus 
Christ,  our  Lord.     Amen, 

Evening. 

OTHOU  Infinite  Spirit,  whose  creative  power 
and  wisdom  are  revealed  in  the  order  and  beau- 
ty of  the  universe,  filled  with  grateful  wonder  at  the 
spectacle  of  thy  works,  we  worship  thee.  May  our 
eyes  be  unsealed  to  trace  more  of  thy  ways  in  the 
beneficent  arrangemeiits  and  marvels  of  nature. 
And  whatever  we  see  of  sublimity,  loveliness,  or 
blessed  adaptation,  may  it  be  a  symbol  to  carry  our 
adoring  thoughts  up  to  thee.  Thus  may  we  walk 
in  the  world  as  in  a  sacred  temple,  filled  with  thy 
presence,  and  use  all  its  scenery  and  phenomena  as 
types  and  hints  through  which  to  commune  with  the 
omnipresent  Divinity,  and  discern  the  indications  of 
his  will.    We  thank  thee  for  the  curtain  of  darkness 


THE    VOICE    WITHIN.  37 

^^-  thou  now  lettest  down  over  the  slumbers  of  the 
night.  Be  with  our  spirits  through  the  hours  of 
unconsciousness,  and  restore  us  to  labor  and  joy  of 
the  day  again.  And  whether  we  sleep  or  wake,  on 
the  earth  or  in  worlds  unknown,  still  may  we  be 
thine,  thine  forever.     Amen, 


IX. 

THE   VOICE   WITHIN, 

Hath  not  tJiy  heart  within  thee  burned 

At  evening's  cqIm  and  holy  hour^ 
As  if  its  inmost  depths  discerned 

The  presence  of  a  loftier  power  f 

It  was  the  voice  of  God  that  spake 

In  silence  to  thy  silent  heart ; 
And  hade  each  worthier  thought  awake^ 

And  every  dream  of  earth  depart. 

BULFINCH. 

God  never  ceases  to  speak  to  us  ;  but  the  noise  of  the  world 
f/ithout,  and  the  tumult  of  our  passions  within,  bewilder  us, 
and  prevent  us  from  listening  to  him.  —  Fehelon. 

Blessed  is  the  soul  which  heareth  the  Lord  speaking  within 
her,  and  receiveth  from  his  mouth  the  word  of  consolation.  — 
A  Kempis. 

Blessed  indeed  are  those  ears  which  listen  not  after  the 
voice  which  is  sounding  without,  but  for  the  truth  teaching 
inwardly.  —  A  Kempis. 


38  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

Know  ye  not  that  ye  are  the  temple  of  God,  and  that  the 
Spirit  of  God  dwelleth  in  you  V 

God,  who  commanded  the  hght  to  shine  out  of  darkness, 
hath  shined  in  our  hearts,  to  give  the  light  of  the  knowledge 
of  the  glory  of  God  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ. 

It  is  written.  Eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard,  neither 
hath  entered  into  the  heart  of  man,  the  things  which  God 
hath  prepared  for  them  that  love  him.  But  God  hath  re- 
vealed them  unto  us  by  his  Spirit. 

For  he  is  our  God ;  and  we  are  the  people  of  his  pasture, 
and  the  sheep  of  hi^  hand.  To-day  if  ye  will  hear  his  voice, 
harden  not  your  hearts. 

We  must  often  silently  listen  to  this  teacher  within,  who 
will  make  known  all  truth  to  us,  if  we  are  faithful  in  attend- 
ing to  him. 

God  is  in  our  souls,  as  our  souls  are  in  our  bodies. — 
Fenelon. 

And  all  blessings  shall  come  on  thee,  and  overtake  thee,  if 
thou  shalt  hearken  unto  the  voice  of  the  Lord  thy  God. 

Morning. 

OGOD,  our  life  and  our  light,  the  strength  of 
our  hearts,  the  hope  of  our  spirits  !  We  re- 
joice to  know  thee,  though  it  be  but  in  part.  We 
desire  to  know  thee  more  and  better,  to  enter  more 
fully  into  the  joy  of  thine  idea  through  purity  of 
heart  and  willing  obedience.  Flesh  and  blood  hath 
not  revealed  thee,  but  the  Light  which  lighteth  all 
who  come  Into  the  world  is  thy  witness  within  us, 


THE   VOICE   WITHIN.  39 

and  the  Son  who  is  m  the  bosom  of  the  Father  hath 
declared  thee. 

We  rejoice  in  that  divine  Dispensation  of  Grace 
and  Truth  which  shows  us  the  Father,  not  distant 
and  unheeding,  but  near  to  every  one  of  us,  and  ever 
wiUing  to  help  to  the  uttermost  all  who  seek  their 
help  in  thee.  We  bless  thee  for  the  word  of  life  in 
Christ,  whereby  are  given  unto  us  exceeding  great 
and  precious  promises,  and  gifts  of  the  Spirit,  and 
means  of  growth,  and  aids  to  virtue.  Make  that 
word,  we  beseech  thee,  a  fountain  of  strength  and 
healing  to  our  souls  ;  may  it  work  in  us  with  blessed 
effect  to  give  us  the  knowledge  of  the  truth  and  the 
power  of  faith  and  obedient  wills,  redeeming  us  from 
the  law  of  sin  in  our  members,  overcoming  every 
•3vil  tendency  and  passion,  quickening  every  good 
principle  in  our  natures,  and  making  us  one  with 
God  in  heart  and  life. 

Make  it,  we  entreat  thee,  a  word  of  power  and 
life  to  the  nations  of  the  earth,  give  it  the  dominion 
over  human  ignorance  and  superstition,  over  selfish 
desires,  unrighteous  laws,  and  wicked  customs, 
and  all  the  evil  that  is  in  the  world.  May  it  be 
not  only  the  message  and  glad  tidings,  but  the  re- 
alization of  peace  and  good-will  on  the  earth. 

Father  everlasting  !  our  hope  is  in  thee  ;  we  wait 
thy  blessing.  Grant  us  of  thy  mercy  whatever  in 
thy  wisdom  thou  shalt  see  to  be  needful  and  fit. 
Evermore  give  us  of  the  Bread  which  cometh  down 


40  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

from  heaven  and  giveth  life  unto  the  world,  that  we 
may  eat  thereof,  and  not  die.  Feed  our  souls,  re- 
fresh our  spirits,  strengthen  our  faith,  and  lead  us 
to  the  Christ  to  whom  he  that  cometh  shall  never 
hunger,  and  in  whom  he  that  beheveth  shall 
never  thirst.  And  thine  be  the  praise,  forever- 
more.     Amen. 

EVENING. 

OTHOU,  in  whom  we  live  and  move  and  have 
our  being  !  We  are  reminded  by  the  experi- 
ence of  another  day,  tliat  all  our  ways  are  ordered 
by  a  loving  and  compassionate  Father.  It  is  the 
Spirit  itself  bearing  witness  witii  our  spirit  that  we 
are  the  children  of  God. 

For  thy  great  mercies,  thus  continually  renewed 
unto  us,  we  devoutly  thank  thee.  Especially  would 
we  bless  and  adore  thy  great  and  holy  name  for  the 
riches  of  thy  goodness  in  spiritual  things  ;  that  thou 
hast  created  us  in  thine  own  likeness,  and  in  the  im- 
age of  thine  own  eternity  ;  that  thou  hast  revealed 
thyself  unto  us  in  thy  word,  and  in  the  thoughts 
and  affections  of  our  own  hearts  ;  that  there  is  a 
voice  within,  as  well  as  a  voice  without,  calling  us 
to  glory  and  virtue.  May  we  listen  reverently  to 
the  suggestions  and  warnings  of  the  internal  moni- 
tor. Suffer  us  not,  we  beseech  thee,  in  any  moment 
of  temptation  or  thoughtlessness,  to  resist  the  plead- 


THE   VOICE   WITHIN.  41 

ings,  the  strugglings  of  our  better  nature  against  the 
besetting  sin. 

And  now  we  commit  ourselves,  during  the  dark- 
ness  and  defencelessness  of  the  hours  of  sleep,  to 
that  ever-watchful  Providence  which  is  over  all 
things,  ascribing  to  thee  all  praise  and  glory,  ever- 
more.    Amen. 


BEARING    THE    CROSS. 

How  blessed  the  man,  how  fully  so. 
As  far  as  man  is  blessed  below, 
Who,  taking  up  the  cross,  essays 
To  follow  Jesus  all  his  days. 

PARNELIi. 

And  he  said  unto  them  all,  If  any  man  will  come  after  me, 
let  him  deny  himself,  and  take  up  his  cross  daily,  and  follow 
me. 

And  he  that  taketh  not  his  cross,  and  foUoweth  after  me,  Is 
not  worthy  of  me. 

If  thou  bear  the  cross  cheerfully,  it  will  bear  thee,  and 
lead  thee  to  the  desired  end,  namely,  where  there  shall  be  an 
end  of  suffering,  though  here  there  shall  not  be. —  A  Kempis. 

Blessed  are  ye  when  men  shall  revile  you  and  persecute 
you,  and  shall  say  all  manner  of  evil  against  you  falsely  for 
my  sake. 


42  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

Let  your  light  so  shine  before  men  that  they  may  see  your 
good  works,  and  glorify  your  Father  which  is  in  heaven. 

Whosoever  shall  confess  me  before  men,  him  will  I  confess 
also  before  my  Father  which  is  in  heaven. 

By  the  love  of  thy  cross,  O  Jesus,  I  will  take  up  my  cross 
daily  and  follow  thee.  —  Bishop  Ken. 

I  have  received  the  cross,  I  have  received  it  from  thy 
hand ;  I  will  bear  it,  and  bear  it  even  unto  death,  as  thou 
hast  laid  it  upon  me.  —  A  Kempis. 

I  take  pleasure  in  infirmities,  in  reproaches,  in  necessities, 
in  persecutions,  in  distresses  for  Christ's  sake  ;  for  when  I  am 
weak,  then  am  I  strong. 

All  that  will  live  godly  in  Christ  Jesus  shall  suffer  persecu- 
tion. 

If  we  suffer,  we  shall  also  reign  with  him  :  if  we  deny  him, 
he  will  also  deny  us. 

He  that  shall  endure  unto  the  end,  the  same  shall  be  saved. 

Morning. 

ALMIGHTY  and  most  merciful  God,  as  once 
more  we  gather  around  the  family  altar,  we 
would  seek  thy  presence,  and  invoke  thy  blessing 
upon  this  household.  We  are  weak ;  wilt  thou 
grant  us  the  aid  of  thine  infinite  strength.  We  are 
ignorant,  and  would  seek  from  thine  inexhaustible 
wisdom  tlie  light  of  true  knowledge.  Borne  down 
with  anxiety,  with  hearts  burdened  by  trial  and 
grief,  may  we  meet  the  afflictions  which  beset  and 


BEARING    THE   CROSS.  43 

surround  us  with  cheerful  resignation  and  unfailing 
faith.  Thou,  O  Lord,  knowest  our  trials  and  temp- 
tations. We  confess  our  manifold  transgressions. 
When  we  would  do  good,  evil  is  present  with  us. 
Grant  us  thy  guidance  and  forgiveness.  Sanctify 
us  by  thy  Holy  Spirit.  As  the  shadows  of  life  fall 
upon  our  souls,  we  would  seek  heavenly  light.  With- 
out are  fightings,  within  are  fears.  Enable  us,  we 
do  most  earnestly  beseech*  thee,  to  bear  our  cross 
with  lowly  submission,  uncomplaining  fidelity,  and 
serene  trust.  May  we  learn  from  our  Saviour  to 
meet  our  trials  with  devout  confidence  and  trium- 
phant faith ;  and  cherish  the  undoubted  assurance 
that  a  crown  of  glory  awaits  the  penitent,  faitliful, 
and  obedient  disciple.  Though  in  thy  Providence 
our  present  lot  is  grievous ;  though  adversity  frown 
upon  us  and  our  bread  is  dipped  in  tears  ;  though 
struggling  with  a  besetting  sin  or  afilicted  with  sor- 
row ;  though  subjected  to  loss  of  wealth,  and,  through 
our  fidelity  to  principle,  the  esteem  of  the  world,  — 
grant  us  thy  strength,  and  may  we  say,  in  the  spirit 
of  Him  who  bore  his  agony  with  such  triumphant  pa- 
tience, "  Not  my  will,  but  thine,  be  done."  May  w^e 
learn  to  be  resigned  even  in  pa,in  and  suffering,  and 
throHgh  the  pathway  of  the  cross  attain  unto  heav- 
enly glory  and  divine  peace ;  and  thus  reap  the  rich 
fruition  of  the  believer's  faith  and  the  believer's  hope. 
May  we  both  live  and  die  unto  Christ,  taking  up  the 
cross  daily,  and  walk  in  faithful  observance  of  the 


44  ALTAR   AT  HOME 

precepts  of  thy  Son,  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord, —  in 
the  faith  of  whom,  and  as  whose  disciples,  we  ask  for 
strength  and  forgiveness.  And  thine  shall  be  the 
praise,  and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever  and 
ever.     Amen. 

Evening. 

GRACIOUS  and  Everlasting  God,  from  the  dis- 
tractions and  turmoils  of  the  world  we  turn 
reverently  and  solemnly  unto  thee.  And  in  this 
hour  of  quiet  meditation  would  seek  our  refreshing 
in  that  blessed  communion  which  it  is  our  privilege 
to  enjoy. 

We  thank  thee,  O  our  Father,  that  we  may  thus 
come  to  thee,  and  that  we  may  indeed  believe  that 
thou,  the  Infinite  One,  wilt  bend  to  welcome  our 
frail  and  erring  spirits,  while  they  seek  direction  and 
strength. 

O  that  our  hearts  were  so  in  harmony  with  thy 
spirit  that  our  communion  with  thee  might  be  per- 
fect, and  that  we  might  know  the  full  blessedness  of 
thy  love  I  Make  us,  O  our  Father,  more  entirely 
thine.  Teach  us  more  and  more  to  realize  that 
there  is  nothing  in  heaven  or  on  earth  that  can  bring 
to  us  such  perfect  joy. 

May  the  image  of  Jesus  be  ever  present  to  our 
thoughts,  a  constant  guide  to  thee.  May  we  seek 
to  walk  e\er  in  his  steps.     And  if  they  sometimes 


ASPIRA  TION.  45 

lead  through  difficult  and  trying  ways,  if  sometimes 
they  draw  us  away  from  things  that  we  desire,  O 
help  us  not  to  falter  !  What  can  harm  us  if  we  have 
thy  love  ?  And  what  earthly  good  shall  we  not  re- 
nounce if  it  turns  us  away  from  thee  ?  May  we 
take  up  our  cross  and  follow  Christ,  willing  even 
to  drink  his  bitter  cup,  and  to  be  baptized  with  his 
baptism  of  sorrow,  if  only  we  can  be  found  at  last 
with  him  in  thee. 

O  God,  keep  us  faithful  unto  death,  that  we  may 
receive  the  crown  of  life.  And  unto  thee,  who  only 
art  able  to  keep  us  from  falling,  we  will  ascribe  power 
and  dominion,  now  and  for  evermore.     Amen. 


XI. 

ASPIRATION, 

Btiild  thee  more  stately  mansions,  0  my  sotd. 

As  the  swift  seasons  roll! 

Leave  thy  low-vaulted  past! 
Let  each  new  temple,  nobler  than  the  lastj 
Shut  thee  from  heaven  with  a  dome  more  vasty 

Till  thou  at  length  art  free, 
Leaving  tJiine  outgrown  shell  by  life's  unresting  sea  ! 

Holmes. 

My  soul  longeth,  yea,  even  fainteth  for  the  courts  of  the 
Lord  :  my  heart  and  my  flesh  crieth  out  for  the  living  God. 

Let  me  continue,  let  me  incretise  in  this  love  of  thee  more 


46  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

and  more.     Let  this  weary  pilgrimage  be  spent  in  advancing 
daily  towards  thee.  —  St.  Augustine. 

0  God,  let  thy  heavenly  love  be  the  constant  bias  of  my 
soul !  May  it  be  the  natural  spring  and  weight  of  my  heart, 
that  it  may  always  move  towards  thee  !  —  Bishop  Ken. 

One  thing  have  I  desired  of  the  Lord,  that  will  I  seek 
after ;  that  I  may  dwell  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  all  the  days 
of  my  life,  to  behold  the  beauty  of  the  Lord,  and  to  inquire  in 
his  temple. 

Blessed  are  they  which  do  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteous- 
ness, for  they  shall  be  filled. 

Teach  me,  O  Lord,  the  way  of  thy  statutes ;  and  I  shall 
keep  it  unto  the  end. 

Give  me  understanding,  and  I  shall  keep  thy  law ;  yea,  I 
shall  observe  it  with  my  whole  heart. 

Behold,  I  have  longed  after  thy  precepts ;  quicken  me  in 
thy  righteousness. 

1  will  delight  myself  in  thy  statutes :  I  will  not  forget  thy 
word. 

Blessed  are  they  that  dwell  in  thy  house  ;  they  will  be  still 
praising  thee. 

They  go  from  strength  to  strength ;  every  one  of  them  in 
Zion  appeareth  before  God. 

Grow  in  grace,  and  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  To  him  be  glory  both  now  and  for- 
ever. 


Morning. 

NFINITE  Being,  in  wliom  all  perfections  meet, 
.  send  thy  Spirit  down   to  lift  our  spirits  up  to 


ASPIRATION.  47 

thee.  We  would  not  grovel  on  the  low  level  of 
time  and  sense,  contented  with  things  that  perish. 
We  would  aspire  evermore  from  height  to  height, 
through  knowledge  and  trust,  through  obedience 
and  love,  still  rising,  till  we  reach  our  perfection. 
We  thank  thee  for  the  sacred  lures  thou  dost  hold 
above  us,  to  tempt  our  desires  aloft.  O  may  we  for- 
get the  things  which  are  below,  and  press  forwards 
and  upwards  towards  the  mark  for  the  prize  of  our 
high  calhng  in  Christ  Jesus.  Lessen  the  attraction 
of  ignoble  things,  and  increase  the  power  of  all  forms 
of  celestial  good  to  draw  our  souls  to  themselves. 
Especially,  O  God,  reveal  the  glories  of  thine  own 
being,  the  loveliness  of  thine  own  face  to  us,  that, 
turning  from  all  else,  we  may  supremely  strive  to 
win  and  lose  ourselves  in  thee.  Pardon  us,  and 
bless  us,  O  thou  who  in  all  and  over  all  art  God 
aJone.     Amen, 

Evening. 

HOLY  Father,  maker  of  the  countless  worlds 
above  us,  former  of  our  bodies,  God  of  our 
hves,  and  Father  of  our  spirits,  —  as  thy  angel  of 
the  night  closes  the  day  here  on  earth,  the  gates  of 
thy  boundless  kingdom  open  over  our  heads,  and 
call  our  thoughts  upward  to  commune  with  Him 
who  inhabiteth  immensity.  Lord  of  tlie  shining 
ones.  Guide  of  all  who   pass  through   tliese   lowly 


48  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

scenes  of  tribulation  toward  the  realms  of  glory  and 
the  city  of  peace,  shine  down  to-night  into  our 
hearts,  and  kindle  in  us  a  renewed  yearning  and  an 
effectual  purpose  to  put  off  utterly  the  works  of 
darkness  and  clothe  ourselves  in  the  armor  of  light. 
The  day  of  God  is  at  hand  ;  O  may  we  be  children 
of  the  day,  may  we  behold  the  ladder  set  up  on  the 
earth,  the  top  whereof  reacheth  heaven,  and  may 
we  climb  by  the  steps  of  memory  and  hope  and 
prayer  and  patience  toward  that  perfection  which 
beams  upon  us  in  all  thy  works  and  ways,  and  of 
which  this  night,  with  all  its  wonders  and  gracious 
whisperings,  affords  us  such  blessed  intimations.  As 
night  after  night  admonishes  us  of  the  time  when 
this  earthly  house  must  be  dissolved,  may  the  inner 
man  be  built  up  day  after  day.  This  is  not  our  rest. 
Forgetting  the  things  which  are  behind  and  below, 
we  would  press  on  to  those  which  are  above.  O, 
may  this  night's  slumber  refresh  us  for  a  nobler  re- 
newal of  the  race  which  is  set  before  us  in  Christ 
Jesus  !  May  our  loins  be  ever  girded  about,  and  ouic 
lamps  trimmed  and  burning ;  may  neither  the  weari- 
ness of  the  flesh,  nor  the  world's  cares  or  pleasures, 
deaden  our  zeal  for  the  prize  of  our  high  calling  ; 
may  we  be  made  more  than  conquerors  through  the 
Captain  of  our  salvation,  and  by  patient  continuance 
in  well-doing  attain  to  glory,  honor,  and  immortality. 
Amen. 


GOOD  RESOLUTIONS  49 

XII. 
GOOD  RESOLUTIONS. 

May  I  resolve  J  with  all  my  heart, 

With  all  my  powers,  to  serve  the  Lord , 

Nor  from  his  precepts  e'er  depart, 
Whose  service  is  a  rich  reward. 

Mrs.  Steele. 

Be  not  rash  with  thy  mouth,  and  let  not  thine  heart  be  hasty 
to  utter  anything  before  God ;  for  God  is  in  heaven,  and  thou 
art  upon  earth  :  therefore  let  thy  words  be  few. 

•  When  thou  vowest  a  vow  unto  God,  defer  not  to  pay  it ;  for 
he  hath  no  pleasure  in  fools ;  pay  that  which  thou  hast  vowed. 

I  will  behave  myself  wisely  in  a  perfect  way.  I  will  walk 
within  my  house  with  a  perfect  heart. 

I  will  set  no  wicked  thing  before  mine  eyes:  I  hate  the 
work  of  them  that  turn  aside  ;  it  shall  not  cleave  to  me. 

God  never  accepts  a  good  inclination  instead  of  a  good  ac- 
tion, where  that  action  may  be  done.  —  South. 

I  find  a  law,  that,  when  I  would  do  good,  evil  is  present 
with  me. 

Watch  ye,  stand  fast  in  the  faith,  be  strong. 

Let  us  hold  fast  the  profession  of  our  faith  without  waver- 
ing ;  for  he  is  faithful  that  promised. 

I  have  sworn,  and  I  will  perform  it,  that  I  will  keep  thy 
righteous  judgments. 


50  ALTAR  AT  HOMh. 

There  wants  nothing  but  a  believing  prayer  to  turn  a  prom- 
ise into  a  performance.  —  /.  Mason. 

Godliness  consists  not  in  a  heart  to  intend  to  do  the  will  of 
God,  but  in  a  heart  to  do  it.  —  Jonathan  Edwards. 

First  know  what  is  good  to  be  done,  then  do  that  good,  being 
known.  —  Warwick. 

Now  thanks  be  unto  God,  which  always  causeth  us  to  tri- 
umph in  Christ. 

Morning. 

GOD  of  the  morning,  who  makest  its  outgoings 
to  rejoice !  We  thank  thee  for  thy  bounty, 
which  now  with  the  hght  of  the  sun  reneweth  the 
face  of  the  earth.  May  thy  celestial  light  shine  in 
upon  our  souls,  and  renew  in  them  all  holy  feelings 
and  virtuous  resolutions.  We  begin  the  day  with 
thee,  O  God ;  grant  us  to  spend  it  in  thy  fear  and 
love.  May  we  with  thoughtful  minds  survey  the 
path  which  lies  before  us,  perceive  to  what  moral 
dangers  we  may  be  most  exposed  therein,  and  arm 
ourselves  with  strong  determination  that  we  will 
avoid  every  action,  every  word,  and  every  volun- 
tary thought,  contrary  to  thy  will  and  to  our  duty. 
In  humility  would  we  profess  our  purpose  unto  thee, 
to  exercise  due  restraint  over  each  appetite  and 
passion  that  rebels  against  the  sway  of  reason  and 
of  religion.  We  would  resolve  before  thee  to  apply 
ourselves  to  the  steady  and  cheerful  performance 
of  those  common  tasks  which  thy  providence  has 


GOOD  RESOLUTIONS.  51 

assigned  to  us ;  and  to  do  with  our  might  wliatever 
our  hands  find  to  do,  whereby  thy  children  may  be 
aided  and  thy  name  be  glorified.  And  if  our  duties, 
this  day,  or  at  any  time  to  come,  should  be  less  of 
action  than  of  endurance,  then  would  we  resolve, 
O  Father,  bravely  and  meekly  to  endure,  remem- 
bering how  the  blessed  Jesus  bore  the  burden  of 
pain,  reproach,  and  sorrow  for  our  sakes.  O  thou 
in  whose  presence  these  purposes  are  formed  and 
expressed,  we  know  that  our  strength  is  but  weak- 
ness without  thine  aid.  Give  us  of  thy  grace, 
O  Lord !  and  make  us  conquerors  through  the 
spirit  of  him  that  loved  us  and  gave  himself  for 
us.  As  we  have  prayed  for  ourselves,  we  pray  for 
others ;  those  who  are  near  us  as  relatives  and 
friends,  and  those  who  are  afar  off*,  even  all  man- 
kind. At  length,  O  Father,  of  thy  mercy,  make 
us  thine  in  heaven.  And  to  thy  name  be  praises 
evermore,  through  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen, 

Evening. 

OTHOU  all-searching  and  everywhere-present 
God,  we  pray  that  we  may  both  know  and  see 
ourselves  as  thou  knowest  and  seest  us.  We  are 
now  before  thee,  with  our  hearts  open  to  the  gaze 
of  thy  all-penetrating  eye.  As  in  thy  presence  we 
review  the  past  day,  we  have  need  to  be  truly  peni- 
tent, for  we  have  often  done  those  things  which  we 


62  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

ought  not  to  have  done,  and  we  have  left  undone 
those  things  which  we  ought  to  have  done.  In 
word,  in  deed,  and  in  thought,  we  have  jofFended 
against  thy  most  holy  law.  We  are  imperfect  in 
thy  sight.  We  feel  our  need  of  a  new  and  better 
hfe.  But  in  our  imperfection  and  need  we  remem- 
ber that  thy  law  is  perfect,  converting  the  soul ;  thy 
commandments  are  pure,  enlightening  the  eyes ;  thy 
judgments  are  true  and  righteous  altogether.  Let 
sin  have  no  dominion  over  us ;  cleanse  us  from 
secret  faults ;  keep  back  thy  servants  from  presump- 
tuous sins,  and  let  them  have  no  dominion  over  us. 
But  even  while  our  sins  are  before  us  we  remember 
thy  promises.  Grant  us  the  aid  of  thy  Holy  Spirit. 
May  the  conviction  of  our  past  transgressions  quick- 
en within  us  holier  resolutions,  and  lead  us  to  a 
more  complete  consecration  of  our  hearts  to  thee. 
Through  the  power  of  an  awakened  conscience 
may  we  be  quickened  to  greater  vigilance  in  the 
performance  of  every  duty,  and  aim  to  give  our 
lives  to  thee,  which  is  our  reasonable  and  acceptable 
service.  All  that  we  have  and  all  that  we  are 
belong  to  thee.  May  we  resolve  with  all  our  hearts 
to  employ  them  in  thy  service,  and  to  faithfully 
strive  to  do  thy  most  perfect  will.  Strengthen 
within  us  devout  purposes,  and  increase  our  aspi- 
rations after  holiness.  Thou,  O  God,  wilt  call  us 
to  a  strict  account  for  the  use  of  every  day.  May 
we  so  walk  in  the  way  of  thy  statutes,  and  keep  thy 


THY  KINGDOM  COME.  63 

commandments,  as  to  meet  with  thine  approval,  and 
live  day  by  day  with  the  blessed  assurance  that  for 
thy  faithful  and  obedient  children  there  awaiteth  a 
crown  of  glory  and  everlasting  peace,  through  our 
Lord  and  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


XIII. 
THr  KINGDOM  COME. 

Thy  kingdom  come,  with  power  and  grace^ 

To  every  heart  of  man  ; 

Thy  peace  and  joy  and  righteousness 

In  all  our  bosoms  reign. 

Wesley's  Coll. 

And  when  he  was  demanded  of  the  Pharisees,  when  the 
kingdom  of  God  should  come,  he  answered  them  and  said, 
The  kingdom  of  God  cometh  not  with  observation  : 

Neither  shall  they  say,  Lo  here  !  or,  Lo  there !  for,  behold, 
the  kingdom  of  God  is  within  you. 

The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto  leaven,  which  a  woman 
took  and  hid  in  three  measures  of  meal  till  the  whole  was 
leavened. 

Again,  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto  treasure  hid  in  a 
field ;  the  which  when  a  man  hath  found  he  hideth,  and  for 
]oy  thereof  goeth  and  selleth  all  that  he  hath,  and  buyeth  the 
field. 


54  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

Again,  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto  a  merchantman 
seeking  goodly  pearls  ; 

Who,  when  he  had  found  one  pearl  of  great  price,  went  and 
sold  all  that  he  had,  and  bought  it. 

Thy  kingdom  is  an  everlasting  kingdom,  and  thy  dominion 
endureth  throughout  all  generations. 

For  the  earth  shall  be  filled  with  the  knowledge  of  tHe  glory 
of  the  Lord,  as  the  waters  cover  the  sea. 

All  the  ends  of  the  world  shall  remember  and  turn  unto  the 
Lord ;  and  all  the  kindreds  of  the  nations  shall  worship  before 
thee. 

For  the  kingdom  is  the  Lord's,  and  he  is  governor  among 
the  nations. 

Then  shall  the  earth  yield  her  increase  ;  and  God,  even  our 
own  Grod,  shall  bless  us  : 

When  the  people  are  gathered  together,  and  the  kingdoms, 
to  serve  the  Lord. 


Morning. 

OTHOU,  who  reignest  in  the  heaven  of  heav- 
ens, and  whose  dominion  is  over  all  the  earth, 
we  bow  in  reverence  before  thine  infinite  majesty, 
and  acknowledge  our  humble  allegiance  to  thee. 
We  know  that  in  thy  service  is  our  highest  good, 
and  that  thy  perfect  government  is  the  true  life 
to  the  soul.  But,  O  God,  we  confess  our  proneness 
to  break  away  from  thee  and  do  violence  to  thy 
commands  ;  and  we  fervently  pray  that  thou  wilt 


THY  KINGDOM  COME.  55 

bring  usj  back  and  keep  us  in  loving  subjection  to 
thy  holy  will. 

O  that  our  hearts  might  be  opened  so  to  com- 
prehend thy  infinite  perfections  that  thou  shouldest 
truly  reign  over  us  as  the  object  of  our  adoring 
love.  O  that  we  might  learn  the  beauty  and  glory 
of  thy  holiness  and  truth,  which  it  is  given  even 
to  us,  creatures  of  frailty  and  sin,  yet  also  children 
of  thy  love,  to  strive  after  and  to  share.  Do  thou 
grant  that  so,  filled  with  a  sense  of  thy  excellence 
and  a  yearning  for  the  things  of  God,  our  hearts 
may  be  indeed  thy  throne,  and  our  members  all 
ministers  to  do  thy  will. 

And  O  may  thy  kingdom  come,  not  only  in  us, 
but  in  all  the  world.  Thou  only  canst  fill  and 
satisfy  the  vast  capacities  wherewith  thou  hast  en- 
dowed the  human  soul.  Suffer  not  thy  erring  chil- 
dren to  wander  far  away  from  thee  and  goodness 
in  disobedience  and  wrong,  and  to  give  themselves 
to  the  unsatisfying  dominion  of  worldly  lusts.  But 
may  the  divine  power  of  thy  truth  and  holiness  be 
\rictorious  over  every  evil  principle,  and  thy  will 
rule  within  us  a  living  spring  and  guide. 

May  the  time  be  no  longer  when  thou  shalt  say, 
"  If  I  be  a  father,  where  is  mine  honor  ?  if  I  be  a 
master,  -v\here  is  my  fear?"  But  do  thou  reign, 
whose  right  it  is,  and  in  whose  service  is  happiness 
and  joy  and  peace. 

We  ask  it  as  disciples  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 


56  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

^  EVENING. 

OUR  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  thou  whose 
strength  is  upholding  us,  and  whose  love  is 
descending  upon  us  every  day,  we  come  unto  thee 
at  thi'j  evening  hour  with  the  grateful  offerings  of 
our  hearts.  Wilt  thou  listen  to  our  prayer,  and 
graciously  accept  us  in  the  sacrifice  we  bring  before 
thee.  We  thank  thee  for  the  care  with  which  thou 
hast  kept  us  during  another  period  of  our  probation, 
for  the  bounty  with  which  thou  hast  supplied  our 
returning  wants,  and  for  the  opportunities  which 
thou  hast  afforded  us  for  a  wise  and  useful  improve- 
ment of  our  time.  Enable  us  to  feel,  O  God,  that 
all  the  blessings  of  life  come  from  thee  ; ,  and  in  our 
enjoyment  of  them  may  our  hearts  ever  turn  with 
grateful  emotions  to  thee.  Forgive  us,  we  beseech 
thee,  if  we  have  been  unmindful  of  thee  in  receiv- 
ing thy  gifts,  and  wherein  we  have  sinned  against 
thee  in  our  waywardness  or  our  ignorance. 

O  God,  our  Heavenly  Father,  we  pray  for  the 
coming  of  thy  kingdom  ;  that  kingdom  which  Christ 
Jesus  our  Lord  came  to  set  up  here  on  earth  to  be 
for  evermore  in  the  liearts  of  thy  children.  Our 
heart's  desire  and  prayer  is,  that  all  mankind  may 
come  to  a  knowledge  of  the  truth,  and  by  the  truth 
may  be  set  free  from  the  bondage  of  the  world  and 
the  bondage  of  sin ;  and  that  thy  grace  may  dwell 
in  all  richly,  and  thy  spirit  sanctify  their  spirits,  and 


THY  KINGDOM  COME.  57 

so  thy  kingdom  comQ  to  be  established  throughout 
the  world.  O  our  Father,  we  would  ourselves  be 
the  subjects  of  thy  kingdom.  We  would  be  sharers 
with  all  our  fellow-men  in  that  peace  and  joy  and 
righteousness  which  it  so  abundantly  imparts.  To 
this  end  we  would  ever  come  to  thee,  to  be  enlight- 
ened by  thy  wisdom,  and  to  be  renewed  in  the  spirit 
of  our  minds  by  thy  Holy  Spirit  abiding  within  us. 
O  God,  our  help  is  in  thee,  and  from  thee  cometh 
our  salvation ;  and  we  feel  assured  that  thou  wilt 
keep  thy  promise  unto  us  and  to  all  men ;  the 
promise  that  if  we  ask,  we  shall  receive ;  if  we 
seek,  we  shall  find ;  if  we  knock,  it  shall  be  opened 
unto  us. 

O  our  Father,  hear  our  prayer,  we  beseech  thee, 
and  grant  the  desires  of  our  hearts,  and  thine  shall 
be  the  glory  and  the  praise  forevermore.     Amen. 


•♦ 


68  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

XIV. 
J  PATIENT,  FORGIVING  SPIRIT. 

Wouldst  thou,  when  thy  faults  are  known, 

Wish  that  pardon  should  he  shown  f 
Be  forgiving,  then,  and  do 
As  thou  wouldst  be  done  unto. 

W.   ROSCOE. 

Endeavor  to  be  patient  in  bearing  with  the  defects  and  in* 
firmities  of  others,  of  what  sort  soever  they  be ;  for  that  thy- 
self also  hast  many  failings  which  must  be  borne  with  by 
others.  —  A  Kempis. 

He  shall  have  judgment  without  mercy  that  hath  shown  no 
mercy. 

Hath  any  wronged  thee  ?  be  bravely  revenged ;  slight  it, 
and  the  work  is  begun  ;  forgive  it,  and  it  is  finished. — Quarles. 

If  ye  forgive  men  their  trespasses,  your  Heavenly  Father 
will  also  forgive  your  trespasses. 

You  who  complain  so  much  of  what  others  make  you  suffer, 
do  you  think  that  you  cause  others  no  pain  ?  Does  it  never 
come  into  your  mind  to  fear,  lest  he  should  demand  of  you  why 
you  had  not  exercised  towards  your  br^ither  a  little  of  that 
mercy  which  he  who  is  your  Master  so  abundantly  bestows 
upon  you  ?  —  Fenelon. 

Let  no  malice  or  ill-will  abide  in  me.  Give  me  grace  to 
forgive  all  that  may  have  offended  me.  —  Wilson. 

Blessed  are  the  merciful,  for  they  shall  obtain  mercy. 

When  ye  stand  praying,  forgive,  if  ye  have  aught  against 


A  PATIENT,  FORGIVING  SPIRIT.  59 

any :  that  your  Father  also  which  is  in  heaven  may  forgive  you 
your  trespasses. 

Comfort  the  feeble-minded,  support  the  weak,  be  patient 
toward  all  men.  See  that  none  render  evil  for  evil  unto  any 
man. 

Seest  thou  a  man  that  is  hasty  in  his  words  ?  there  is  more 
hope  of  a  fool  than  of  him. 

Be  ye  kind  one  to  another,  tender-hearted,  forgiving  one 
another,  even  as  God  for  Christ's  sake  hath  forgiven  you. 

Morning. 

OTHOU,  who  makest  the  outgoings  of  the 
morning  to  rejoice,  we  thank  thee  that  we 
are  permitted  again  to  see  the  pleasant  Hght,  and 
to  enjoy  and  admire  thy  glorious  and  wonderful 
works.  What  are  we,  that  thou  shouldest  visit  us 
every  night  and  morning  with  blessings  more  than 
can  be  numbered  !  That  thou  shouldest  watch  over 
us  in  our  sleep,  and  smile  on  us  when  we  wake,  and 
hold  us  up  in  all  our  ways !  That  thou  shouldest 
spread  our  table  and  fill  our  cup  ;  provide  for  us  the 
comforts  d  an  earthly  home,  and  cheer  us  with  the 
promise  of  a  heavenly  !  O,  may  thine  unmerited 
goodness  lead  us  to  a  sincere  repentance,  and  kindle 
'n  our  hearts  such  fervent  love  as  will  make  us 
watchful  not  to  offend  or  grieve  thy  Holy  Spirit, 
and  ever  ready  to  do  and  bear  thy  perfect  will. 
May  it  soften  our  hearts  also  towards  our  fellow- 
men,  and  dispose  us  to  compassion  and  forgiveness. 


60  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

As  thou  art  so  long-suffering  towards  us,  may  we 
exercise  patience  and  forbearance  towards  others. 
May  the  consciousness  of  our  own  faults  lead  us  to 
regard  theirs  with  pity,  and  judge  them  with  char- 
ity. Since  our  goodness  cannot  extend  unto  thee, 
may  it  be  extended,  for  thy  sake,  to  thy  children 
who  are  around  us.  While  the  light  of  thy  coun- 
tenance is  shining  upon  us,  may  it  be  our  delight  to 
reflect  it  upon  them.  When  thou  increasest  our 
store,  let  us  multiply  our  benefactions,  —  wasting 
nothing  upon  our  selfishness,  and  perverting  noth- 
ing to  luxury  and  pride  ;  but  using  and  enjoying 
everything  for  the  diffusion  of  happiness  and  the 
advancement  of  thy  glory.  This  day  may  we  be 
followers  of  Christ,  by  walking  in  love,  and  going 
about  doing  good ;  by  cultivating  a  meek  and  patient 
spirit,  and  maintaining  a  forgiving  and  placable  tem- 
per ;  by  seeking  rather  to  minister  than  to  be  minis- 
tered unto,  and  remembering  in  our  practice  his 
precious  saying,  "  It  is  more  blessed  to  give  than  to 
receive." 

Accept,  O  Lord,  our  intercessions  for  all  man- 
kind ;  especially  for  the  poor  and  the  sick,  the  deso- 
late and  the  fallen,  the  weary  and  heavy-laden. 

And  now,  O  holy  and  merciful  Father,  we  hum- 
bly commend  unto  thy  gracious  care  ourselves  and 
all  who  are  dear  to  us.  Guard  and  guide  us 
through  all  the  unknown  scenes  and  dangers  of 
the  day.      Assist  us  to  discharge   faithfully  every 


A  PATIENT,  FORGIVING  SPIRIT.  61 

duty,  and  to  bear  patiently  every  trial ;  to  trust 
in  thee  with  a  childlike  confidence,  and  to  please 
and  glorify  thee  in  all  our  doings.  And  to  thee, 
the  infinite  and  eternal  God,  we  will  ascribe  con- 
tinually all  glory,  honor,  and  praise,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Evening. 

OLORD  our  God  !  look  on  us  in  love,  as  we 
commend  ourselves  to  thee  at  the  close  of  this 
day.  We  acknowledge  that  thy  hand  has  been 
open  to  feed  us  ;  and  that  streams  of  mercy,  never 
ceasing,  have  flowed  to  us  from  thine  exhaustless 
fountains.  O  Lord !  thou  art  kind  to  the  un- 
thankful and  the  evil;  for  thou  hast  been  kind  to 
us.  Thou  hast  sought  us  when  we  wandered ; 
thou  hast  remembered  us  when  we  forgot  thee ; 
thou  hast  been  patient  with  our  infirmities,  and 
ready  to  forgive  our  sins  ;  and  all  thy  chastisements 
have  been  for  our  profit.  May  thy  goodness  lead 
us  to  humble  repentance  ;  may  it  waken  in  us  an 
earnest  desire  to  be  like  thee  in  our  lives,  and  to 
deal  with  our  fellow-servants  as  thou  hast  dealt  with 
us.  Fill  us  with  thine  own  heavenly  spirit  of  good- 
w  ill ;  give  us  a  tender,  Christ-like  interest  in  the 
welfare  of  all  thy  human  family  ;  and  may  the  sins 
and  errors  of  mankind  move  us  to  compassionate 
eftbrts  for  their  redemption.     Help  us  to  amend  our 


62  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

own  lives  and  to  correct  our  own  faults,  that  we 
may  be  more  fitting  instruments  and  examples  of 
good  to  others. 

Father !  may  we  lie  down  to  rest  with  hearts  at 
peace  with  thee  and  with  all  thy  creatures.  May 
the  remainder  of  our  days  be  spent  more  wisely 
than  the  past.  And  when  the  shadows  of  death 
shall  darken  our  mortal  sight,  may  our  faith  be 
cheered  with  the  dawning  visions  of  eternal  day. 
And  to  thee  will  we  give  endless  praises,  as  our 
God  and  Father,  and  the  God  and  Father  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


XV. 

THE   CHRISTIAN  LIFE  A  WARFARE, 

A  soldier*s  course,  from  battles  wouj 

To  new-commencing  stnfe  ; 
A  pilgrim's,  restless  as  the  sun ,   — 

Behold  the  Christian's  life  ! 

GlSBOKNK. 

Think  not  that  I  am  come  to  send  peace  on  earth ;  I  came 
not  to  send  peace,  but  a  sword. 

Put  on  the  whole  armor  of  Grod,  that  ye  may  be  able  to 
stand  against  the  wiles  of  the  devil. 

This  charge  I  commit  unto  thee,  that  thou  mightest  war  a 
good  warfare  ; 


THE  CHRISTIAN  LIFE  A    WARFARE.       63 

Holding  faith  and  a  good  conscience ;  which  some  having 
put  away,  concerning  faith  have  made  shipwreck. 

But  thou  follow  after  righteousness,  godliness,  faith,  IoyOi 
patience,  meekness. 

Fight  the  good  fight  of  faith,  lay  hold  on  eternal  life. 

Be  strong  in  the  grace  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus. 

Therefore  endure  hardness,  as  a  good  soldier  of  Jesus  Christ. 

No  man  that  warreth  entangleth  himself  with  the  affairs  of 
this  life  ;  that  he  may  please  him  who  hath  cjiosen  him  to  be 
a  soldier. 

And  if  a  man  also  strive  for  masteries,  yet  is  he  not  crowned 
except  he  strive  lawfully. 

The  weapons  of  our  warfare  are  not  carnal,  but  mighty 
through  God  to  the  pulling  down  of  strong  holds ;  — 

Casting  down  imaginations,  and  every  high  thing  that  exalt- 
eth  itself  against  the  knowledge  of  God,  and  bringing  into 
captivity  every  thought  to  the  obedience  of  Christ. 

No  triumphs  are  comparable  to  those  of  piety,  —  no  trophies 
so  magnificent  and  durable  as  those  which  victorious  faith 
erecteth.  —  Barrow. 

Morning. 

OUR  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  and  our  God  ; 
awakened  to  the  light  of  another  day,  we 
come  to  thee  with  the  grateful  offerings  of  our 
hearts.  We  thank  thee,  O  God,  for  the  continu- 
ance of  our  lives,  and  the  renewal  of  our  energies  ; 
and  for  the  freshness  and  vigor  with  which  we  are 
enabled  to  go  forth  again  to  our  labors  and  our 
duties. 


64  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

As  this  day  upon  which  we  have  entered  shall  be 
to  each  one  of  us,  so  let  our  strength  be,  we  beseech 
thee,  O  our  Father.  As  we  shall  be  beset  by  sins, 
and  shall  meet  with  temptations,  wilt  thou  aid  us 
by  thy  heavenly  grace  in  overcoming  and  resisting 
them.  If  hard  trials  and  experiences  await  us  ;  if 
disappointments  and  afflictions  shall  fall  to  our  lot ; 
if  heavy  burdens  shall  be  laid  upon  us,  —  give  us 
wisdom,  we  beseech  thee,  to  see  thy  hand  in  them, 
and  by  thy  Holy  Spirit  in  our  hearts  breathe  into 
us  the  spirit  of  devout  submission. 

O  our  Father!  we  feel  that  we  are  weak  and 
ignorant  and  sinful ;  but  thou  art  holy  and  just  and 
good.  Our  trust  is  in  thee  ;  our  hope  is  in  thee. 
We  know  that,  if  we  seek  help  of  thee,  thou  wilt 
give  us  help  according  to  our  needs ;  for  this  assur- 
ance we  have  from  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ ;  and  that  thou  wilt  not  suffer  us  to  be  over- 
come and  cast  down  in  our  conflicts  in  this  world, 
but  wilt  make  them  the  means  by  which  our 
strength  shall  be  renewed  and  our  faith  deepened, 
and  so  by  them  we  shall  day  by  day  be  prepared 
for  the  great  warfare  in  which  we  are  called  to 
engage. 

Do  thou  be  with  us  all  this  day,  our  Heavenly 
Father,  our  defence  and  our  salvation  in  every  hour 
of  danger  and  of  evil.  If  consistent  with  thy  holy 
will,  do  thou  preserve  us  from  sickness  and  suffer- 
ing and  sorrow.     We  entreat  thy  blessing  for  our 


THE   CHRISTIAN  LIFE  A   WARFARE.         65 

friends,  and  for  all  who  are  near  and  dear  to  us. 
Do  thou  keep  them,  and  lead  them  by  thj  wisdom 
into  all  righteousness  and  truth  and  peace. 

And  we  pray,  O  God,  that  thy  kingdom  may 
come  and  thy  will  may  be  done  here  on  earth  even 
as  it  is  done  in  heaven.  And  thine  shall  be  the 
praise  and  the  glory  now  and  evermore.     Amen. 

Evening. 

ALMIGHTY  God,  thy  power  and  love  have 
been  over  us  during  the  busy  hours  of  the 
day,  while  we  were  engaged  in  the  duties  and 
enjoyments  of  active  life.  May  the  thought  of  thy 
continued  presence  hallow  all  our  other  thoughts, 
blending  with  all  that  we  say  and  all  that  we 
do,  making  our  labor  prayer,  and  our  happiness 
thanksgiving.  Wilt  thou  strengthen  us  every  day 
for  the  work  that  thou  givest  us  to  do.  If  it  be 
arduous,  may  we  take  courage  from  the  prize  of  our 
high  calling,  and  the  hope  that  is  full  of  immortality, 
K  it  require  self-denial,  may  we  look  to  the  cross, 
and  drink  in  the  spirit  of  the  Crucified.  Wilt^  thou 
arm  us  against  the  temptations  that  may  beset  our 
path.  Let  not  appetite  or  passion,  low  desire  or 
unworthy  love,  make  us  forgetful  of  our  divine 
sonship,  and  of  the  glorious  destiny  that  awaits 
liim  who  is  faithful  unto  the  end.  May  we  take  to 
ourselves  the  weapons   of  our  Saviour's  warfare ; 


66  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

may  we  pray  with  all  diligence,  and  watch  con 
stantly  against  evil,  and  thus  may  we  come  off  more 
than  conquerors.  And  not  only  may  we  resist  the 
allurements  of  sin,  may  we  feel  that  incessant  pro- 
gress is  at  once  our  sacred  duty  and  our  blessed 
privilege  ;  that,  if  we  indeed  belong  to  Christ,  we 
must  be  his  close  and  ever  closer  followers ;  and 
that  our  assurance  of  heavenly  happiness  can  be 
made  firm  and  clear  only  by  having  all  our  steps 
on  earth  tend  heavenward.  May  we  keep  in  mind 
the  frailty  of  life  and  the  possible  nearness  of  death ; 
and  wilt  thou  grant  us  grace  so  to  live  that  to  die 
shall  be  gain.  Take  us  under  thy  merciful  care  this 
night. 

Bless,  with  us,  those  whom  thou  hast  given  us. 
May  they  all  be  thine ;  and  may  every  tie  of  kin- 
dred and  affection  be  made  the  stronger  and  the 
dearer  by  Christian  sympathy  and  a  common  inter- 
est in  the  great  salvation.  We  commend  to  thee 
the  poor,  sick,  and  suffering  ;  those  in  error,  igno- 
rance, and  sin  ;  those  who  know  not  thee  and  obey 
not  thy  Gospel.  May  thy  kingdom  come,  and  thy 
will  be  done  on  earth  as  it  is  done  in  heaven  ;  for 
thine  is  the  kingdom,  the  power,  and  the  glory 
forever.     Amen. 


DEPENDENCE   UPON  GOD,  67 


XVI. 
DEPENDENCE    UPON  GOD. 

MarCs  wisdom  is  to  seek 

His  strength  in  God  alone  ; 
And  e'en  an  angel  would  he  weaky 

Who  trusted  in  his  own. 

COWPKR. 

There  is  no  sanctity,  if  thou,  O  Lord,  withdraw  thine 
hand. 

No  wisdom  availeth,  if  thou  cease  to  guide ; 

No  courage  helpeth,  if  thou  leave  oflf  to  defend ; 

No  chastity  is  secure,  if  thou  do  not  protect  it ; 

No  custody  of  our  own  availeth,  if  thy  sacred  watchfulness 
be  not  present  with  us.  —  -4  Kempis. 

Fear  thou  not ;  for  I  am  with  thee  :  be  not  dismayed ;  for 
I  am  thy  God :  I  will  strengthen  thee ;  yea,  I  will  help  thee ; 
yea,  I  will  uphold  thee. 

The  Lord  is  my  rock,  and  my  fortress,  and  my  deliverer ; 
my  God,  and  my  strength,  in  whom  I  will  trust ;  my  buckler, 
and  the  horn  of  my  salvation,  and  my  high  tower. 

In  him  we  live  and  move  and  have  our  being. 

There  is  no  wisdom,  nor  understanding,  nor  counsel,  against 
the  Lord. 

I  can  do  nothing  without  the  help  of  God,  and  that  even 
G-Qm  moment  to  moment.  —  St.  Athanasius. 


68. 


ALTAR  AT  HOME. 


The  horse  is  prepared  against  the  day  of  battle;  but  safety 
is  of  the  Lord. 

Though  I  walk  in  the  midst  of  trouble,  thou  wilt  revive  me. 

The  beloved  of  the  Lord  shall  dwell  in  safety;  and  the 
Lord  shall  cover  him  all  the  day  long. 

I  will  both  lay  me  down  in  peace,  and  sleep ;  for  thou, 
Lord,  makest  me  dwell  in  safety. 

Morning. 

ALMIGHTY  Father,  again  thy  hand  has  Hfled 
up  the  sun  and  restored  us  from  sleep  and 
dreams  to  thoughts  of  duty  and  the  cares  of  our 
worldly  business.  It  is  thou  that  hast  done  it. 
We  devoutly  acknowledge  our  dependence  on  thee. 
Without  the  air  we  should  gasp  and  die,  and  with- 
out thy  spirit  we  should  instantly  become  nothing. 
Thou  art  the  life  and  law  of  all.  We  desire  to  be 
ever  mindful  of  this  solemn  truth.  .  O  aid  us,  great 
God,  to  return  in  love  and  service,  by  obedience 
to  thy  commands,  and  kind  deeds  to  our  fellow- 
creatures,  the  unfailing  gifts  thou  pourest  on  us. 
Let  a  sense  of  our  pervading  dependence  on  thy 
Spirit  deepen  our  lives,  and  lead  us  more  earnestly 
to  meditate  on  thy  requirements  and  consecrate 
ourselves  to  thy  will.  We  pray  to  thee  in  the 
name  of  Jesus.  O,  hear  our  prayer,  and  answer 
it  according  to  thine  infinite  wisdom  and  goodness. 
Amen, 


DEPENDENCE   UPON  GOD.  69 

EVENING. 

rflHOU,  O  Father,  of  whose  goodness  another 
A  day  has  been  added  to  our  hves,  art  still  with 
us  as  a  friend  and  protector.  Accept  the  thanks- 
giving which  now,  with  united  heart,  we  offer  to 
thee  witli  our  evening  devotions.  For  all  our 
thoughts  of  peace,  this  day,  we  bless  thee.  For 
the  strength  which  has  been  given  us  to  use,  and 
for  the  means  which  have  been  placed  in  our  hands, 
we  acknowledge  our  dependence  upon  thee.  The 
day  is  thine  and  the  night  also.  The  cold  and  the 
heat,  the  seed-time  and  the  harvest,  are  thine. 
From  thee  are  bestowed  all  the  good  gifts  by 
which  our  lives  are  sustained,  and  by  which  our 
home  is  made  comfortable  and  happy.  For  these, 
and  for  the  friends  whom  we  can  so  fully  love  and 
trust,  and  for  the  instructions  which  guide  us  in 
the  way  of  knowledge  and  duty,  we  thank  thee, 
Almighty  Father. 

May  we  have  great  comfort  and  peace  in  the 
thought  that  in  thee  do  we  live  and  move  and  ha^e 
our  being.  May  we  be  so  at  one  with  thyself  that 
thine  own  holy  purposes  may  indeed  be  accom- 
plislied  in  all  the  various  changes  of  our  lives,  and 
in  every  allotment  of  prosperity  or  adversity.  May 
we  so  completely  submit  ourselves,  and  all  we  have, 
to  thy  disposal,  that  we  may  have  no  fear  of  evil 
while  we  do  thy  will. 


70  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

Thou  knowest,  0  God,  the  imperfection  of  our 
understanding,  and  the  frailty  of  our  good  resolves. 
But,  in  thy  mercy,  wilt  thou  pardon  our  ignorance 
and  sin.  And,  according  to  thy  blessed  promises, 
make  thou  our  strength  equal  to  our  duty,  and  give 
us  wisdom  in  proportion  to  our  need.     Amen. 


XVII. 

puRirr. 

Immortal  man,  keep  pure 
Thyself,  that  myMic  shrine ; 
Let  hate  of  all  that's  dark  endure^ 
And  love  of  all  divine. 

Johns. 

lie  that  loveth  pureness  of  heart,  for  the  grace  of  his  lips 
the  king  shall  be  his  friend. 

Blessed  are  the  pure  in  heart,  for  they  shall  see  God. 

Every  man  that  hath  this  hope  in  him  purifieth  himself, 
even  as  He  is  pure. 

If  we  did  certainly  believe  that  we  were  members  of  Chrisi, 
and  God's  temples,  how  should  we  but  flee  from  all  impurity 
and  corruption  of  the  world.  —  John  Bradford. 

Dearly  beloved,  I  beseech  you  as  strangers  and  pilgrims, 
abstain  from  fleshly  lusts,  which  war  against  the  soul. 

Who  shall  ascend  into  the  hill  of  the  Lord  ?  or  who  shali 
stand  in  his  holy  place?  — 


PURITY.  71 

He  that  hath  clean  hands,  and  a  pure  heart ;  who  hath 
not  lifted  up  his  soul  unto  vanity,  nor  sworn  deceitfully. 

Who  can  say  I  have  made  my  heart  clean,  I  am  pure  from 
my  sin  ? 

Draw  nigh  unto  God,  and  he  will  draw  nigh  unto  you. 
Cleanse  your  hands  and  purify  your  hearts. 

Lord,  if  thou  wilt,  thou  canst  make  me  clean. 

Wash  me  thoroughly  from  mine  iniquity,  and  cleanse  me 
from  my  sin. 

Let  us  draw  near  with  a  true  heart,  in  full  assurance  of 
faith,  having  our  hearts  sprinkled  from  an  evil  conscience, 
and  our  bodies  washed  with  pure  water. 

Let  us  consider  one  another,  to  provoke  unto  love  and  to 
good  works. 

Morning. 

OTHOU  infinitely  pure  and  holy  God,  we,  thy 
dependent  children,  bless  thee  for  the  gift  of  a 
new  day.  We  desire  to  humble  ourselves  in  thy 
pure  and  perfect  sight.  The  secrets  of  our  hearts 
are  known  to  thee.  Thou  seest  every  hidden 
frailty,  every  impurity  in  our  affections  and  desires. 
Reveal  to  us  these  stains  upon  our  souls.  Save 
us  from  examining  ourselves  by  poor  and  worldly 
standards,  and  lift  our  eyes  to  that  perfect  law 
which  discerns  the  thoughts  and  intents  of  the 
heart.  Let  us  never  be  content  until  we  hear  ita 
sentence  against  our  open  and  secret  sins. 


72  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

O  God,  unworthy  as  we  are,  how  can  we  truly 
serve  and  worship  thee  ?  We  ask  for  a  greater 
sincerity  in  all  our  prayers.  Save  us  from  wander- 
ing thoughts  ;  from  coldness  of  heart.  May  every 
supplication  be  a  deep  cry  of  the  soul  for  pardon 
and  help.  Give  us  a  greater  singleness  of  purpose 
every  day  in  the  work  which  thou  givest  us  to  do. 
Make  it  our  constant  aim  to  do  thy  will.  Remove 
the  selfishness  from  our  breasts.  Make  our  chari- 
ties sincere.  Let  them  not  be  the  unwilling  offer- 
ings of  the  hands,  but  the  free  outpourings  of  love. 
Guard  the  temple  of  our  hearts  against  the  entrance 
of  impure  and  evil  thoughts.  Close  our  ears  against 
every  whisper  of  envy,  of  uncharitableness,  of  pride, 
and  rebuke  every  imagination  which  can  defile  our 
inmost  soul. 

O  Father,  we  can  do  nothing  without  thy  help. 
Fix  our  affections  upon  thee,  and  then  we  shall  be 
raised  above  the  temptations  of  worldly  thoughts. 
Turn  us  with  all  the  heart  towards  thy  truth,  and 
evil  will  flee  away.  Create  within  us  the  spirit 
of  our  Master  and  Lord,  and  then  may  we  walk 
securely  through  his  divine  strength.  Almighty 
God,  hear  our  earnest  prayers,  and  never  leave  nor 
forsake  us  till  thou  hast  cleansed  the  deepest  springs 
of  life,  and  made  every  thought  and  desire  ac- 
ceptable to  thee.  We  ask  and  offer  all  as  disciples 
of  thy  dear  Son,  and  througli  him  to  thee  ascribe 
the  glory  and  the  praise.     Amen. 


PURITY.  73 

Evening. 

PARENT  of  our  soul,  who  hast  made  it  inno- 
cent, modest,  and  pure,  keep  it  as  thou  hast 
made  it,  or  purity  it,  and  make  it  again  as  thou 
wouldest  have  it  kept.  We  are  thy  temple  :  may 
we  not  defile  thy  temple.  May  no  low  desires, 
impure  passions,  kill  out  the  life  of  our  soul.  May 
not  earthly  love  poison  heavenly  love :  may  not 
the  lower  love,  snare  of  the  feet,  seeming  joy 
but  real  anguish,  clouding  the  generous  thought, 
dulling  the  bright  eye,  making  heavy  the  youth- 
ful face,  —  may  it  not  get  possession  over  us.  O, 
do  thou  help  us  to  keep  under  the  body,  and 
bring  it  into*  subjection,  that  we  may  not  be  cast- 
aways. 

But  rather.  Father,  hft  our  thoughts  to  chaste 
and  noble  aims,  purify  our  souls  to  the  best  de- 
sires ;  if  it  be  necessary,  try  us  with  purifying  fire, 
as  silver  is  tried,  till  all  dross  pass  away.  Fill  our 
minds  with  noble  thoughts,  teach  us  to  despise  lux- 
ury, self-indulgence,  and  sin  ;  teach  us  to  rise  nearer 
to  thee.  May  the  purity  of  Christ's  soul  inspire  our 
souls,  and  lead  us  away  from  disgraceful  passions, 
which  dishonor  our  names,  and  cloud  our  influence, 
and  disturb  our  homes,  and  kill  our  hearts.  Let 
heaven  conquer  earth  within  us,  God  conquer 
sense  and  sin,  life  triumpli  over  all  decay  and  death. 
As  Christ    >ur  master  walked  in  holiness  and  in  all 


74  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

sweet,  serine  affections,  so  may  we  walk  ralm  in 
true  and  good  thoughts,  delivered  from  the  power 
of  all  evil,  which  we  ask  in  Him,     Amen. 


XVIII. 

CHRIST   THE   TVAT. 

Thou  art  the  way,  —  and  he  who  sigliSj 

Amid  this  starless  waste  of  wo, 
To  find  a  pathway  to  the  skies, 

A  light  fj^om  heaven's  eternal  glow, 
By  thee  must  come,  thou  gate  of  lov6, 

Through  which  the  saints  undouhting  trod; 

Till  faith  discovers,  like  the  dove. 

An  ark,  a  resting-place  in  God. 

Anon. 

Jesus  saith,  I  am  the  way,  the  truth,  and  the  life ;  no  man 
Cometh  unto  the  Father  but  by  me. 

Go  where  thou  wilt,  seek  whatsoever  thou  wilt,  thou  shalt 
not  find  a  higher  way  above,  nor  a  safer  way  below,  than  the 
way  of  the  holy  Cross.  —  A  Kempis, 

One  ray  of  moral  and  religious  truth  is  worth  all  the  wis- 
dom of  the  schools.  One  lesson  from  Christ  will  cany  you 
higher  than  years  of  study  under  those  who  are  too  enlight- 
ened to  lollcv  this  celestial  guide.  —  Channing. 

This  is  a  faithful  saying,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation, 
that  Christ  Jesus  came  into  the  world  to  save  sinners. 


CHRIST   THE    WAY.  75 

Though  he  were  a  Son,  yet  learned  he  obedience  by  the 
things  which  he  suffered ;  and  being  made  perfect,  he  became 
the  author  of  eternal  salvation  unto  all  them  that  obey  him. 

For  other  foundation  can  no  man  lay  than  is  laid,  which  is 
Jesus  Christ. 

Jesus  spake,  saying,  I  am  the  light  of  the  world:  ho  that 
foUoweth  me  shall  not  walk  in  darkness,  but  shall  have  the 
light  of  life. 

Teach  me  thy  way,  O  Lord,  and  lead  me  in  a  plain  path. 

Jesus  said,  I  am  come  a  light  into  the  world,  that  whosoever 
believeth  on  me  should  not  abide  in  darkness. 

He  that  rejecteth  me  and  receiveth  not  my  words,  hath 
one  that  judgeth  him :  the  word  that  I  have  spoken,  the  same 
shall  judge  him  in  the  last  day. 

For  it  had  been  better  not  to  have  known  the  way  of 
righteousness,  than,  after  having  known  it,  to  turn  from  the 
holy  commandment. 

Morning. 

OTHOU  Almighty  and  Eternal  God,  who  dwell- 
est  in  light  inaccessible  and  full  of  glory,  we 
thank  thee  that  thou  dost  visit  thy  children  not 
alone  in  the  outward  light  of  day  which  is  now 
shining  around  us,  but  that  thou  dost  come  to  us 
more  nearly  and  reveal  thyself  to  us  more  clearly 
in  him  who  is  the  way  of  truth  and  life.  Lord,  we 
believe  in  him ;  help  thou  our  unbelief.  Help  us 
to  draw  nigh  to  him  and  to  commit  ourselves  entire- 
ly to  his  guidance.     May  we  be  ready  to  leave  all 


76  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

and  follow  him,  walking  securely  because  we  walk 
with  him.  As  we  commune  with  him,  may  our 
hearts  be  touched  and  made  better,  renewed  and 
sanctified  by  thy  spirit.  May  he  be  to  us  the  way, 
the  truth,  and  the  life,  and,  through  his  influence 
upon  us,  may  the  day  which  is  now  begun  be  a 
blessing  to  every  one  of  us,  and  help  us  faitlifully 
to  fulfil  all  its  duties.  Bind  us  more  tenderly  to  our 
friends.  Cherish  within  us  holy  affections  and  de- 
sires, and  lead  us  on  in  the  way  which  he  hath  trod, 
to  that  world  on  which  no  morning  sun  shall  rise, 
for  the  glory  of  the  Lord  doth  lighten  it,  and  the 
lamb  is  the  light  thereof.  In  his  name,  and  as  his 
disciples,  we  ask  and  offer  all.  And  thine  be  the 
kingdom  and  the  power  and  the  glory,  for  ever  and 
ever.     Amen, 

EVENING. 

HOLY  Father,  now  the  day  is  done  and  the 
shadows  of  night  are  falling  around  us,  we 
would  bow  before  thee  in  grateful  recognition  of 
thy  guidance  and  care.  We  would  call  home  our 
thoughts  from  the  duties,  labors,  and  pleasures  in 
which  we  have  been  engaged,  and  fix  them  in  rev- 
erent contemplation  of  our  Divine  Master.  We 
need  to  correct  our  life,  our  thought,  our  heart, 
daily,  by  that  holy  pattern.  We  would  set  its 
blessed  likeness  in  our  souls,  tliat  our  daily  going 


CHRIST  THE    WAY.  77 

may  have  its  constant  presence  and  gentle  admoni- 
tion. O  God,  we  know  the  truth  of  thy  Son,  his 
blessed  life,  his  childlike  obedience,  his  unweary- 
ing toil,  his  holy  patience  and  tender  love.  These 
are  the  way  of  the  godly  life  to  us,  and  may  we  be 
taught  by  thy  Spirit,  and  by  tlie  experience  of  our 
own  hearts,  that  this  is  our  true  life.  Teach  us  that 
when  we  are  away  from  Christ,  we  are  away  from 
our  better  selves,  and  away  from  thee.  Help  us  to 
look  back  upon  the  day  which  has  closed,  that  our 
hearts  may  have  humiliation  or  devout  gratitude, 
according  as  we  have  humbly  sought  to  follow  in 
our  Master's  footsteps  ;  and  inspire  us,  O  God,  with 
devout  and  holy  purpose  to  follow  thy  dear  Son 
with  renewed  mind  and  heart.  May  the  love  where- 
with thou  hast  loved  us  in  him  lead  us  continually 
to  penitence  and  contrition,  that  thy  Spirit  may 
dwell  in  us,  and  our  life  be  hid  with  Christ  in  God. 
Thus  may  we  find  that  living  unto  thee  is  life  in- 
deed, and  that  our  Lord  is  the  way  of  that  life. 

Come  unto  us  now  in  thy  gracious  compassion, 
and  let  us  lie  down  in  holy  confidence  and  trust,  for 
whether  we  wake,  or  whether  we  sleep,  we  are  still 
with  thee.     Amm. 


78  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 


XIX. 

THE   IVISE   CHOICE. 

May  I  resolve  with  all  my  hearty 

With  all  my  powers,  to  serve  the  Lord  ; 

Nor  from  his  precepts  e'er  depart, 
Whose  service  is  a  rich  reward, 

Mrs.  Steeis. 

Choose  ye  this  day  whom  ye  will  serve. 

Call  upon  the  name  of  the  Lord,  to  serve  him  with  one 
consent 

Whom  have  I  in  heaven  but  thee,  O  Lord  ?  and  there  ia 
none  on  earth  that  I  desire  beside  thee. 

Thou  art  my  God  and  I  will  thank  thee ;  thou  art  my  God, 
and  I  will  serve  thee. 

I  will  abide  in  thy  tabernacle  forever ;  I  will  trust  in  the 
covert  of  thy  wings. 

To  be  silent,  to  suffer,  to  pray  when  we  cannot  act,  is  ac- 
ceptable to  God.  A  disappointment,  a  contradiction,  a  harsh 
word  received  and  endured  as  in  his  presence,  is  worth  more 
than  a  long  prayer.  —  F melon. 

Return,  and  discern  between  the  righteous  and  the  wicked, 
between  him  that  serveth  G^d,  and  him  that  serveth  him  not. 

By  faith  Moses,  when  he  was  come  to  years,  refused  to  be 
called  the  son  of  Pharaoh's  daughter;  choosing  rather  to 
suffer  affliction  with  the  people  of  God,  than  to  enjoy  the 
pleasures  of  sin  for  a  season. 

O  welcome  service  and  ever  to  be  desired,  in  which  we 
are  rewarded  with  the  Greatest  Good,  and  attain  to  joy  which 
•haU  endlessly  remain  with  us.  —  A  Kempis. 


THE    WISE   CHOICE.  79 

Know  thou  the  God  of  thy  father,  and  serve  him  with  a 
perfect  heart  and  with  a  willing  mind.  If  thou  seek  him,  he 
will  be  found  of  theo. 

As  a  man,  thou  hast  nothing  to  commend  thee  to  thyself, 
but  that  only  by  which  thou  art  a  man ;  that  is,  by  what  thou 
choosest  and  refusest.  —  Taylor. 

Hear  instruction  and  be  wise,  and  refuse  it  not. 

Whoso  hearkeneth  unto  me  shall  dwell  safely,  and  shaU 
be  quiet  from  fear  of  evil. 


Morning. 

ALMIGHTY  God,  our  merciful  Father,  we 
thank  thee  that  thou  hast  heard  our  prayers, 
and  hast  blessed  us  with  thy  protection  as  the  night 
went  by.  And  now  that  a  new  day  begins,  —  and 
we  enter  upon  its  duties,  —  we  ask  the  same  protec- 
tion, and  the  same  blessing.  Be  pleased  to  remem- 
ber us,  though  we  forget  thee  ;  be  pleased  to  show 
us  how  we  can  make  good  the  resolutions  of  yester- 
day ;  be  pleased  to  show  us  what  thou  wouldst  have 
us  to  do  this  day,  that  we  may  live  to  thy  praise,  as 
in  the  prayers  and  meditations  of  yesterday  we  have 
promised.  Help  us  to  choose  the  good,  the  true, 
the  pure,  and  reject  the  evil. 

We  ask  thy  blessing  also  upon  all  whom  we  love, 
who  are  not  here  with  us.  Be  pleased  to  smile  on 
all  the  otlier  homes  which  are  very  dear  to  us,  and 
teach  us  all  that  we  are  close  together  when  we 
come  to  thee 


80  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

We  pray  for  our  country,  for  thy  holy  Church 
eveiywhere,  and  for  all  our  brethren  and  sisters  of 
mankind. 

In  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  our  Saviour. 
Amen. 

Evening, 

OUR  Heavenly  Father,  the  labors  of  the  day  are 
ended,  and  in  thy  loving  providence  we  are 
drawing  near  to  the  hours  of  rest.  We  seek  the 
shelter  of  thine  arms.  When  we  are  sinking  into 
unconsciousness,  we  feel  more  than  ever  that  we 
live  encompassed  by  mystery,  and  that  we  can  only 
trust  in  the  All-wise  and  the  All-merciful.  Father, 
let  there  be  nothing  between  our  souls  and  thee. 
We  would  surrender  our  all,  our  most  precious 
treasure,  into  the  keeping  of  the  mighty  and  gra- 
cious God.  If  we  are  keeping  back  anything,  may 
we  keep  it  back  no  longer  I  In  times  past,  we  have 
too  often  brought  unto  thee  only  half  our  hearts  and 
half  our  possessions,  and  so  we  have  had  no  peace  ; 
and  when  the  shades  of  night  have  gathered  about 
us,  we  have  been  cast  down,  and  disquieted,  and 
fearful,  we  have  taken  anxious  thought  for  the  mor- 
row, and  have  not  gloried  in  our  cross,  or  rejoiced 
in  the  fellowship  of  the  Lord's  sufferings.  Save  us 
henceforth,  dear  Father,  from  our  foolishness  and 
our  wickedness  !     May  we  choose  thee  for  our  por- 


THE    WISE   CHOICE.  81 

tion,  and  the  life  of  thy  dear  Son  for  our  life,  that 
we  may  have  him  with  us  henceforth  in  the  house 
of  feasting  and  the  house  of  mourning,  and  break 
bread  with  him  in  the  kingdom  of  God  which  he 
has  established  on  earth.  O  Lord,  we  know  that  if 
we  keep  back  anything  it  is  to  our  great  loss  ;  that 
if  in  one  point  we  fail  in  trusting  loyalty,  we  fail  in 
ail ;  knowing  these  things,  may  we  do  them !  Come, 
O  thou  guiding  and  gracious  Spirit,  and  fill,  warm, 
and  satisfy  our  hearts  I  May  our  eyes  be  open  to 
behold  thee,  the  Supreme  Beauty.  Too  late  have 
we  learned  to  love  thee,  and  yet  not  too  late,  for 
thou  art  infinite  in  compassion  and  wonderful  in  all 
thy  ways,  and  thou  regardest  not  the  sinner  of  yes- 
terday, but  the  penitent  and  loving  child  who  seeks 
thee  now,  prostrate  at  the  feet  of  the  ever-blessed 
Mediator.  O  dear  God  and  Father,  make  us  wholly 
thine  !  May  we  love  no  child,  no  creature,  of  thine, 
save  in  thee,  O  Thou  who  art  infinitely  lovely, 
the  Beginning  and  End  of  all  perfection  I  Lei;  thy 
hand  rest  upon  us  !  From  thy  hand  none  shall  be 
able  to  pluck  us  I  May  we  love  thee  !  May  we  have 
this  proof  of  thy  love,  and  that  thou  hast  called  us, 
and  that  nothing  henceforth  shall  be  able  to  separate 
us  from  thee  !  So,  Father,  may  we  live  and  die  I  It 
is  our  prayer  in  Him  who  never  did  his  own  will,  or 
sought  his  own  glory.     Amen. 

4* 


82  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

XX. 

RETIREMENT  AND  MEDITATION. 

By  all  means  use  sometimes  to  he  alonCj 
Salute  thyself;  see  what  thy  soul  doth  wear^ 
Dare  to  look  in  thy  chest ;  for  V  is  thine  own  ; 
And  tumble  up  and  down  what  thoufind'st  there. 
Who  cannot  rest  till  he  good  fellows  finde^ 
He  breaks  up  house,  turns  out  of  doors  his  mind. 

Herbert. 

It  is  not  hasty  reading,  but  seriously  meditating  upon  holy 
and  heavenly  truths,  that  makes  them  prove  sweet  and 
profitable  to  the  soul.  —  Bishop  Hall.  • 

How  vain  to  excite  in  our  hearts  sacred  and  holy  emotions, 
unless  we  are  afterwards  careful  to  close  the  outlet  by  dili- 
gent reflection  and  prayer,  and  so  preserve  it  unspotted  from 
the  world.  —  Anon. 

Commune  with  your  own  heart  upon  your  bed,  and  be  still. 

I  will  meditate  on  thy  precepts,  and  have  respect  unto 
thy  ways. 

When  thou  prayest,  enter  into  thy  closet,  and  when  thou 
hast  shat  the  door,  pray  to  thy  Father  which  is  in  secret ;  and 
thy  Father  which  seeth  in  secret  shall  reward  thee  openly. 

Thou  art  my  hiding-place  and  my  shield;  I  hope  in  thy 
word. 

Every  person  holds  an  inward  conversation  with  himself 
which  it  highly  concerns  him  well  to  regulate,  because,  even  in 
this  sense,  evil  conversations  corrupt  good  manners.  —  Pascal. 


RETIREMENT  AND  MEDITATION.  83 

Blessed  is  the  man  that  walketh  not  in  the  counsel  of  the 
tngodly,  nor  standoth  in  the  way  of  sinners,  nor  sitteth  in  the 
«eat  of  the  scornful. 

But  his  delight  is  in  the  law  of  the  Lord ;  and  in  his  law 
doih  he  meditate  day  and  night. 

He  shall  be  like  a  tree  planted  by  the  river  of  water,  that 
bringeth  forth  his  fruit  in  his  season ;  his  leaf  also  shall  not 
wither ;  and  whatsoever  he  doeth  shall  prosper. 

There  must  be  leisure  and  retirement,  solitude  and  a  se- 
questration of  man's  self  from  the  noise  and  toil  of  the  world ; 
for  truth  scorns  to  be  seen  by  eyes  too  much  fixed  upon 
inferior  objects.  —  Dr.  South. 

Thou  art  my  rock  and  my  fortress ;  therefore  for  thy  name's 
sake  lead  me  and  guide  me. 

Morning. 

INFINITE  Father,  before  engaging  in  our  daily- 
duties  and  daily  cares,  we  would  desire  to  com- 
mune with  our  own  souls,  and  with  tliee.  In  this 
morning  quiet  let  us  hear  thy  voice  in  our  listening 
hearts.  We  remember  that  thy  well-beloved  Son, 
the  sinless  and  perfect  one,  went  into  a  mountain, 
apart  from  men,  for  prayer  to  thee.  How  infinite 
the  need  of  such  meditation  and  prayer  for  thy 
faltering  and  sinful  children  I  Thou  hast  promised 
to  draw  nigh  to  those  who  draw  nigh  to  thee. 
Thou  wilt  reveal  thy  truth,  and  manifest  thy  love  to 
the  sincere  and  single  heart.  Help  us  to  gain  that 
singleness  of  heart  which  will  prepare  us  to  receive 


84  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

.  great  a  blessing  We  need  that  thy  Spirit  should 
ouch  our  breasts  to  enable  us  to  pray  aright,  and 
ruly  fix  our  thoughts  on  thee.  O,  hear  our  ear- 
nest cries  for  the  grace  to  make  our  souls  meet  to 
become  thy  temple,  and  thy  dwelling-place. 

O  God,  our  palliations  for  our  frailties  and  sins 
are  gone  when  we  come  into  thy  presence.  Our 
vain  self-defences  die  upon  our  tongues.  We  cannot 
speak  them  to  thine  ear.  We  can  only  speak  with 
the  confession  of  the  publican,  and  plead  for  mercy. 
And  yet,  O  Father,  though  these  meditations  be- 
fore thee  prostrate  us  in  humility,  may  we  come  to 
thee  in  lowly  joy.  Set  all  our  sins  In  order  before 
us  in  the  light  of  thy  countenance.  May  we  be 
strangers  to  all  the  w^orld,  rather  than  strangers  to 
our  own  hearts.  Rend  away  every  disguise  of 
selfishness  and  sin,  and  let  us  see  what  unworthy 
guests  we  have  permitted  to  enter  into  our  secret 
breasts,  that  we  may  drive  them  all  away  through 
thy  assisting  grace. 

And  then,  O  God,  crown  all  thy  mercies  by  send- 
ing angel-thoughts  to  minister  to  us  forevermore. 
May  we  long  after  thee  as  the  hart  panteth  af^er 
the  water-brooks.  May  we  lay  up  within  our  souls 
an  ur  fading  treasure  of  holy  affections  and  heavenly 
aspirations,  which  shall  be  the  earnest  and  the  fore- 
taste of  that  life  which  is  eternal.  Grant  us  thus  to 
find  our  strength  and  our  rest  in  thee,  and  then  take 
us  to  thyself,  in  that  forgiving  love  made  known  by 
Jesus,  our  Redeemer.     Amen» 


RETIREMENT  AND  MEDITATION         85 

Evening. 

OTHOU,  who  art  the  Witness  and  Judge  of 
the  actions  and  thoughts  of  men  !  We  do  not 
presume  to  justify  ourselves  in  the  sight  of  Him 
before  whom  the  very  heavens  are  not  clean.  If 
we  have  sinned  against  thee  during  the  day  which 
is  now  closing  over  i:j,  we  beseech  thee  to  pardon 
us,  and  to  help  us  by  thy  Holy  Spirit  that  we  sin  no 
more. 

May  we  be  more  watchful  for  the  time  to  come 
against  the  wiles  and  snares  of  the  world,  its  en- 
grossing cares,  and  evil  counsels,  and  corrupt  exam- 
ples. May  we  remember  that  thine  eye  is  upon  us 
in  all  places,  at  all  times.  By  sSasons  of  retirement 
and  meditation,  by  reading  thy  holy  word,  by  secret 
prayer,  by  holding  communion  with  our  own  souls, 
may  we  nourish  and  strengthen  this  sense  of  the 
Divine  Presence,  and  so  keep  ourselves  from  the 
very  thought  of  sin. 

Grant,  O  most  merciful  Father,  that  the  experi- 
ence of  this  day,  and  of  all  our  days,  may  help  to 
train  us  up  for  honor  and  glory  and  immortality, 
through  that  grace  which  thou  hast  promised  in 
Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord.     Amen. 


86  ALTAR  AT  HOME, 

XXI. 

AFFLICTION  AND  ADVERSITY. 

Lord^  shall  we  grumble  when  thyjlames  do  scourge  usf 
Our  sins  breathe  Jire ;  that  fire  returns  to  purge  us. 
Lord^  what  an  alchymist  art  thou,  whose  skill 
Transmutes  to  perfect  good  from  perfect  ill. 

Francis  Quarles. 

Call  upon  me  in  the  time  of  trouble,  so  will  I  hear  thee, 
and  thou  shalt  praise  me. 

I  will  love  thee,  O  God;  being  satisfied  that  all  things, 
however  strange  and  irksome  they  appear,  shall  work  togethei 
for  good  to  those  that  do  so.  —  WUson. 

Blessed  are  they  that  mourn,  for  they  shall  be  comforted. 

Fortify  my  soul,  that  I  may  receive  troubles,  afflictions, 
disappointments,  sickness,  and  death  itself,  without  amaze- 
ment.—  Wilson. 

Remember  your  comforts  in  the  day  of  affliction,  and  your 
afflictions  in  the  day  of  rejoicing. 

If  we  have  been  bereaved  of  the  choicest  blessings,  we  have 
enjoyed  them  too ;  to  be  bereft  is  the  lot  of  all ;  to  enjoy  is 
not  the  lot  of  many.  —  St.  Gregory  of  Nazianzum. 

The  virtue  of  prosperity  is  temperance,  the  virtue  of  adver- 
sity is  fortitude.  Prosperity  is  the  blessing  of  the  Old  Testa- 
ment, adversity  is  the  blessing  of  the  new,  which  carrieth 
the  greater  benediction,  and  the  clearer  revelation  of  God's 
favor.  —  Bacon. 


AFFLICTION  AND  ADVERSITY.  87 

The  disappointments  I  meet  with  may  be  absolutely  neces- 
sary for  my  eternal  welfare. —  Wilson. 

Let  me  never  murmur,  be  dejected,  or  impatient,  under 
any  of  the  troubles  of  this  life.  —  WUson. 

It  is  good  that  we  have  sometimes  some  troubles  and 
crosses;  for  they  often  make  a  man  enter  into  himself,  and 
consider  that  he  is  here  in  banishment,  and  ought  not  to  place 
his  trust  in  any  worldly  thing.  —  A  Kempis. 

We  have  need  of  all  our  crosses.  God  wills  our  suffer- 
ing, that  it  may  purify  us,  and  render  us  worthy  of  him. — 
Fenelon. 

Through  many  tribulations  we  must  enter  into  the  kingdom 
of  God. 

Certainly  virtue  is  like  precious  odors,  most  fragrant  when 
they  are  incensed,  or  crushed;  for  prosperity  doth  best  dis- 
cover vice,  but  adversity  doth  best  discover  virtue.  —  Anon. 

Morning. 

SUPREME  Disposer!  Source  of  all  strength 
and  consolation  I  Awakened  by  thy  call  from 
the  slumbers  thou  hast  granted,  we  bring  our  morn- 
mg  tribute  unto  thee.  With  lowliness  of  mind 
would  we  own  our  constant  dependence  on  thee ; 
And  while  we  thank  thee  for  what  thou  givest,  we 
would  be  submissive  in  regard  to  whatever  thou  de- 
niest,  or  takest  fi-om  us.  What  have  we,  O  Lord, 
that  we  did  not  receive  ?  Why,  then,  should  we 
murmur,  as  though  something  of  our  own  was  with- 
held  from  us,  when  thou  callest  us  to  privation  ^ 


88  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

Hatlier  let  us  feel  that  all  thou  wiliest  is  best,  and 
rejoice  that,  whatever  affliction  we  may  endure,  thou 
grantest  us  still  the  light  of  thy  countenance.  May 
we  realize  that  light  still  more,  feeling,  when  earthly 
comforts  depart,  that  thou  art  the  all-sufficient  por- 
tion of  our  souls  ;  and  receiving  from  thee  that 
peace  which  the  world  cannot  give  nor  take  away. 
May  we  remember,  when  we  encounter  sorrow,  that 
such  has  been  the  lot  of  thy  faithful  servants  through 
all  time  ;  and  that  our  blessed  Saviour  himself  was 
"  made  perfect  through  sufferings."  Grant  us  thy 
grace,  O  Lord,  that,  if  we  are  called  to  resemble 
him  in  endurance,  we  may  have  the  resemblance 
also  of  his  meek  submission  to  thee,  and  his  earnest 
and  loving  zeal  for  the  good  of  mankind.  May  we 
bear,  then,  steadfastly,  knowing  that  through  thy 
grace  the  hour  will  come  when  sorrow  shall  pass 
away,  and  those  who  have  endured  it  well  shall  be 
crowned  with  "  a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal 
weight  of  glory."  Be  thou  with  us,  O  Father,  this 
day  and  every  day  ;  and  as  with  us,  so  be  thou  with 
all  wlio  suffer,  that  their  afflictions  may  be  sanctified 
to  their  good ;  ana  to  thee,  in  the  blessed  name  of 
our  Redeemer,  be  praises  in  the  highest  forever. 
Amen, 


o 


EVENING. 

THOU  whose  providential  care  is  over  all, 
whose  compassion  is  that  of  a  tender  father  or 


AFFLICTION  AND  ADVERSITY.  89 

3  loving  mother,  look  upon  us,  thy  children,  as  we 
gather  around  tliis  family  altar,  and  make  our  com- 
mon supplications  before  thee.  All  things  are  sub- 
ject to  thy  disposal,  and  thou  doest  all  things  well. 
We  presume  not  to  fathom  the  deep  counsels  of  the 
All- wise,  but  where  we  cannot  understand  we  would 
bow  in  perfect  submission  and  adore.  Our  minds 
are  dark,  wilt  thou  illumine  them  I  Our  faith  is 
weak,  wilt  thou  strengthen  it !  Our  thoughts  wan- 
der from  thee,  wilt  thou  call  them  back  that  they 
may  rest  in  thee !  Our  hearts  are  bound  to  the 
earth,  wilt  thou  break  the  bonds,  that  our  hearts 
may  rise  to  thee  and  find  in  thee  a  perfect  peace ! 
Help  us  to  see  in  all  our  afflictions  and  adversities 
the  chastening  of  a  father,  and  let  us  remember  the 
gracious  promises  of  thy  holy  word,  and  take  cour- 
age ;  and  exchange  the  spirit  of  heaviness  for  that 
of  cheerful  trust,  knowing  that  whom  the  Lord  lov- 
eth  he  chasteneth,  and  that  with  every  temptation 
he  maketh  a  way  of  escape. 

Sad  are  our  memories  as  we  recall  joys  that  are 
past  never  to  return  ;  but  let  us  not  forget  that  thou 
gavest  what  thou  hast  taken,  and  that  for  a  season 
we  were  permitted  to  rejoice  in  the  possession.  If 
at  any  time  the  prospect  seems  dark  before  us,  let 
us  not  be  dismayed,  but,  putting  our  hand  in  thine, 
and  following  whither  thou  leadest,  may  we  go  on 
our  way  rejoicing,  —  rejoicing  in  thy  goodness  and 
loving-kindness,  and  in  thy  great  mercy. 


90  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

O  God,  thou  wilt  not  forsake  us,  nor  try  us  -be- 
yond our  strength ;  and  we  know  thou  art  a  very 
present  help  in  time  of  trouble.  Let  us  seek  to 
learn  the  lesson  that  thou  wouldst  teach  us,  and  set 
our  aifections  on  things  above,  and  have  our  conver- 
sation in  heaven,  looking  to  Jesus,  the  Author  and 
Finisher  of  our  faith.  So  may  we  enter  into  his 
kingdom,  where  is  fiilness  of  joy,  and  dwell  at  thy 
right  hand,  where  are  pleasures  evermore.     Amen. 


XXII. 
SEEKING    THE   GLORT  OF  GOD, 

Teach  me,  my  God  and  King, 

In  all  things  thee  to  see  ; 
And  what  I  do  in  anything. 

To  do  it  as  for  thee. 

Herbert. 

Give  unto  the  Lord,  O  ye  mighty,  give  unto  the  Lord 
glory  and  strength.  Give  unto  the  Lord  the  glory  due  unto 
his  name. 

Truly  all  human  glory,  all  temporal  honor,  all  worldly 
highness,  compared  to  thy  eternal  glory  is  vanity  and  folly.  — 
A  Kempis. 

Be  thou  exalted,  O  God,  above  the  heavens ;  let  thy  glory 
be  above  all  the  earth. 


SEEKING   THE  GLORY  OF   GOD.  91 

We  shall  especially  honor  God,  by  discharging  faithfully 
those  offices  which  God  hath  intrusted  us  with ;  by  improving 
diligently  those  talents  which  God  hath  committed  to  us. — 
Dr.  Barrow. 

Grant  that  the  end  of  all  my  actions  and  designs  may  be 
the  glory  of  God.  —  Wilson. 

Blessed  be  the  Lord  God,  the  God  of  Israel,  who  only  docth 
wonderful  things. 

Blessed  be  his  glorious  name  forever,  and  let  the  whole 
earth  be  filled  with  his  glory. 

Blessed  be  God,  even  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
the  Father  of  mercies  and  the  God  of  all  comfort. 

To  proclaim  the  glory  of  God,  to  acknowledge  it,  to  attest  it 
in  his  earthly  temples :  this  ought  to  be  the  desire  of  every  one, 
the  intention  of  all  men,  the  end  of  religion. —  St.  Ambrose. 

If  we  study  to  honor  God,  we  cannot  do  it  better  than  by 
confessing  our  sins,  and  laying  ourselves  low  at  the  feet  of 
Christ.  —  Mason. 

The  Lord  hath  prepared  his  throne  in  the  heavens ;  and  his 
kingdom  ruleth  over  all. 

Bless  the  Lord,  ye  his  angels,  that  excel  in  strength,  that 
do  his  commandments,  hearkening  unto  the  voice  of  his  word. 

Bless  the  Lord,  all  ye  his  hosts  ;  ye  ministers  of  his,  that  do 
his  pleasure. 

Bless  the  Lord,  all  his  works  in  all  places  of  his  dominion : 
bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul. 

Morning. 

ALMIGHTY  God,  thou  hast  watched  over  us 
and   kept   us   through  the  night ;   thou  liast 
given  thy  beloved  sleep,  and  we  would  receive  our 


92  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

powers  anew,  refreshed  by  thy  touch.  Thy  power 
and  wisdom  and  love  are  displayed  in  the  wonders 
of  om*  frame,  in  the  grateful  succession  of  day  and 
night,  for  our  labor  and  our  rest ;  in  the  provision 
of  many  comforts  and  blessings,  which  thy  proTi- 
dence  hath  made  for  us.  As  we  arise  from  rest,  to 
enter  upon  the  active  enjoyment  and  use  of  thy 
gifts,  may  we  remember  that  even  as  it  is  thy  glory 
that  thou  art  good,  and  doest  good  continually,  so 
thou  art  glorified  by  thy  children,  when  their  life  is 
moved  by  pure  affections  and  devout  trust.  Help 
us  to  seek  thine  honor  and  glory,  in  bringing  our 
souls  into  glad  obedience  to  thy  law  and  love.  May 
we  know  that  to  honor  thee  is  to  love  thee,  and  to 
glorify  thee  is  to  obey  thee.  We  adore  thy  wonders 
as  they  are  set  forth  in  the  universe  which  thou  hast 
made.  Wherever  we  turn,  to  the  earth  beneath,  or 
to  the  heavens  above,  our  eyes  behold  the  tokens  of 
the  divine  benignity  and  power.  O  God,  let  thy 
spirit  revive,  and  thy  love  satisfy  our  souls,  till  thou 
shalt  be  exalted  in  our  thought  and  glorified  in  our 
lives.  May  a  deep  sense  of  being  united  to  thee  by 
ties  of  spiritual  affection  give  us  abiding  peace  and 
joy,  that  we  may  know  what  is  that  glory  of  our 
God  that  is  above  the  heavens. 

Keep  us  each  one  to-day  in  thy  love ;  help  us  to 
be  honest,  faithful,  kind.  And  when  the  day  is 
finished,  may  we  have  the  testimony  of  good  hearts 
that  we  have  served  thee,  our  Father  and  our  God. 
Amen, 


SEEKING   THE   GLORY  OF  GOD.  93 

EVENING. 

OGOD,  our  Heavenly  Father !  May  the  ex- 
perience of  the  past  day  help  to  bring  ns 
nearer  to  thee.  At  all  times,  and  in  all  places,  we 
are  encompassed  by  the  tokens  of  thy  paternal  love 
and  care.  'Even  the  disappointments  and  sorrows 
which  are  mingled  in  our  earthly  lot,  —  help  us  to 
feel  that  they  also  are  good,  that  they  are  neces- 
sary to  chasten  our  desires,  and  purify  our  affections, 
and  enlarge  our  capacities  for.  the  heavenly  life. 

If  we  can  make  no  other  return  for  thy  unfailing 
goodness,  may  we  at  least  show  that  we  can  be 
thankful.  May  we  set  thee,  the  Lord,  always  be- 
fore us,  remembering  that  our  faculties  are  thy  gift ; 
that  we  are  acting  in  thy  presence  ;  that  our  days 
are  rapidly  passing  away  ;  that  life  is  a  sacred  trust. 
Whether  we  eat  or  drink,  or  whatsoever  we  do,  may 
we  do  all  to  thy  glory. 

Waking  or  sleeping,  we  put  our  whole  trust  in 
thy  mercy  declared  unto  us  by  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.     Amen. 


94  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

XXIII. 
HUMILITT. 

0,  team  that  it  is  only  hy  the  lowly 

The  paths  of  peace  are  trod  ; 
If  thou  wouldst  keep  thy  garments  white  and  holy^ 

Walk  humbly  with  thy  God. 

Christiax  Regie  r BR. 

I  say,  through  the  grace  given  unto  me,  to  every  man  that 
is  among  you,  not  to  think  of  himself  more  highly  than  he 
ought  to  think  ;  but  to  think  soberly. 

For  all  the  world,  all  that  we  are,  and  all  that  we  have, 
our  bodies  and  our  souls,  our  actions  and  our  sufferings,  our 
conditions  at  home,  our  accidents  abroad,  our  many  sins  and 
our  seldom  virtues,  are  so  many  arguments  to  make  our  souls 
dwell  low  in  the  deep  valleys  of  humility.  —  Taylor. 

The  humble  enjoy  continual  peace,  but  in  the  heart  of  the 
proud  is  envy,  and  frequent  indignation.  —  ^4  Kempis. 

Better  it  is  to  have  a  small  portion  of  good  sense  with  hu- 
mility, and  a  slender  understanding,  than  great  treasures  of 
many  sciences  with  vain  self-complacency.  —  A  Kempis. 

By  humility  and  the  fear  of  the  Lord  are  riches  and  honor 
and  life. 

The  truly  humble  Christian  never  inquires  into  the  faults 
of  his  neighbor,  —  he  takes  no  pleasure  in  judging  them,  —  he 
occupies  himself  solely  with  his  own.  —  St.  Athanasius. 

When  thou  canst  bear  grievous  things,  against  thy  will,  yet 
willingly,  know  that  thou  hast  made  proficiency  in  humility.  — 
.\.  Ephraim. 


HUMILITY.  95 

Every  one  that  is  proud  in  heart  is  an  abomination  unto  the 
Lord  :  though  hand  join  in  hand,  he  shall  not  be  unpunished. 

God  protecteth  the  humble  and  delivereth  him ;  the  humble 
he  loveth  and  comforteth ;  unto  the  humble  man  he  inclineth 
himself;  unto  the  humble  he  giveth  great  grace ;  and  after 
his  humiliation  he  raiseth  him  to  glory.  —  A  Kempis. 

God  resisteth  the  proud,  but  giveth  grace  to  the  humble. 
Submit  yourselves  therefore  to  the  Lord.  Humble  yourselves 
in  the  sight  of  the  Lord,  and  he  shall  lift  you  up. 

Though  the  Lord  be  high,  yet  hath  he  respect  unto  the 
lowly  :  but  the  proud  he  knoweth  afar  off. 

Morning. 

OUR  Heavenly  Father,  we  would  draw  nigh 
unto  thee  with  deep  humility  of  heart.  In 
the  light  of  thine  infinite  purity  we  are  unholy.  The 
sacred  flame  of  devotion  burns  feebly  within  us. 
Our  affections  are  cold  and  languid.  We  harbor 
wicked  desires,  cherish  secret  sins,  and  have  trans- 
gressed thy  most  holy  law.  Weak,  frail,  and  needy, 
we  would  seek  thine  almighty  strength  and  heavenly 
guidance.  Borne  on  the  winds  of  passion,  exposed 
to  temptation,  and  subject  to  trial,  we  have  failed  to 
obey  thee.  Bow  down  thine  ear,  for  we  are  poor 
and  needy.  We  do  not  merit  thy  favor,  t)ut  trust 
in  thine  infinite  and  constant  love.  Sinful  as  we 
ai-e,  thou  wilt  not  hide  thy  face  from  us.  Thine  ear 
is  open  to  hear  the  cry  of  thy.  penitent  children. 
We  rejoice  that  in  our  humiliation  thou  wilt  hear 


96  ALTAR  AT  HOMh. 

and  answer  our  prayers.  Turn  not  away  from  the 
pleading  of  our  anguished  souls.  Thou  delightest 
not  in  sacrifice  ;  else  would  we  give  it.  The  sacri- 
fices of  God  are  a  broken  spirit ;  a  broken  and  a  con- 
trite heart  tliou  wilt  not  despise.  We  come,  then,  in 
this  morning  hour  to  lay  open  our  souls  before  thee. 
Thou  knowest  our  inmost  thoughts.  Thou  readest 
the  secrets  of  the  heart ;  grant  us,  we  beseech  thee, 
of  thy  renewing  grace.  .  We  would  walk  humbly 
this  day.  May  we  live  so  near  to  thee,  that  our 
thoughts  shall  dwell  in  close  intimacy  and  constant 
companionship  with  thy  truth.  May  we  so  learn 
from  the  instructions  and  example  of  our  Saviour  as 
to  be  filled,  with  confidence  in  thy  forgiving  mercy, 
with  peace  and  heavenly  joy.  May  we  take  upon 
us  the  Christian  yoke,  and  learn  of  Him  who  was 
meek  and  lowly  of  heart,  and  thus  find  rest  and 
peace  for  our  souls,  through  our  Lord  and  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ     Amen. 

Evening. 

ALMIGHTY  Father,  Maker  of  heaven  and 
earth,  we  indeed  are,  in  thy  sight,  but  as  of 
yesterday,  so  imperfect  is  our  best  knowledge,  so 
frail  our  own  strength,  and  so  liable  are  we  to  be 
overtaken  with  faults.  But  we  bring  before  thee 
our  tribute  of  praise  and  our  supplication  of  prayer, 
because  thou  hast  taught  us,  by  thy  Son,  in  all  our 


HUMILITY.  97 

weakness  and  unwortliiness  to  come  to  tliee,  in  the 
confidence  that  thou  wilt  not  reject  any  who  sinr 
cerely  seek  thy  face.  We  would,  at  this  hour,  join 
our  lowly  homage  with  that  which  so  many,  as  we 
trust,  who  reverence  the  majesty  of  thy  great  name, 
are  offering,  in  the  homes  where  thy  goodness  is 
felt.  We  pray  that  we  may  be  more  worthy  of  thy 
mercy.  Show  to  us  the  needs  of  our  own  hearts. 
May  we  think  of  ourselves  as  thou  dost  think  of 
us,  when  thou  searchest  us  and  seest  our  inmost 
thoughts.  May  thy  goodness  lead  us  to  repentance. 
Wilt  thou  pardon  the  sins  which  we  strive  to  forsake. 
May  we  learn  of  Him  who  gave  himself  for  us,  the 
just  for  the  unjust,  how  to  become  thy  true  children 
by  serving,  for  their  good,  those  whom  thou  hast 
created  to  be  with  us  in  the  world.  May  we  seek 
not  the  honor  which  comes  from  man,  but  the  honor 
which  comes  from  God.  May  we  trust  not  in  our- 
selves, but  in  thy  grace  assisting  us.  And  wilt  thou 
keep  us  this  night,  and  all  our  nights  and  days,  from 
evil.     Amen, 


ALTAR   AT  HOME. 


XXIV. 
CHEERFULNESS. 

Lord^  with  what  courage  and  delight 

I  do  each  thing, 
When  thy  least  breath  sustains  my  wings  I 

I  shine  and  move 

Like  those  above, 

And,  with  much  gladness 

Quitting  sadness, 
Make  me  fair  days  of  every  night. 

Vaughan. 

Cheerfully  perform  what  Heth  in  thee,  according  to  the  best 
of  thy  power  and  understanding.  —  A  Kempis. 

A  merry  heart  doeth  good  like  a  medicine. 

Cheerfulness  and  a  festival  spirit  fills  ^b-".  roul  full  of  har- 
mony ;  it  composes  music  for  churches  and  hearts ;  it  makes 
and  publishes  glorifications  of  God ;  it  produces  thankfulness 
and  serves  the  end  of  charity.  —  Taylor. 

When  the  oil  of  gladness  rtlns  over,  it  makes  brigrb'-  and  tall 
emissions  of  light  and  holy  fires,  reaching  up  to  a  clo'^d,  and 
making  joy  round  about.  —  Taylor. 

Theretore  «nce  it  is  so  innocent,  and  may  be  so  piov^  ar** 
full  of  holy  advantage,  whatsoever  can  innocently  minister  *^ 
this  holy  joy  does  set  forward  the  work  of  religion  and  ckw- 
ity.  —  Taylor. 

He  that  showeth  mercv,  lot  him  do  it  with  cheerfulness. 


CHEERFULNESS.  99 

1  will  be  glad  and  rejoice  in  thee ;  I  will  sing  praise  to  thy 
name,  O  thou  Most  High. 

It  is  a  good  thing  to  give  tKanks  unto  the  Lord,  and  to  sing 
praises  unto  thy  name,  O  Most  High. 

I  will  sing  unto  the  Lord  as  long  as  I  live ;  I  will  sing  praise 
to  my  God  while  I  have  my  being. 

My  meditation  of  him  shall  be  sweet ;  I  will  be  glad  in  the 
Lord. 

If  there  be  joy  in  the  world,  surely  a  man  of  a  pure  heart 
possesseth  it.  —  A  Kempis. 

Let  us  go  on  our  way  in  the  simplicity  of  our  hearts,  with 
the  peace  and  joy  that  are  the  fruits  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  — 
Fenelon. 

There  is  a  joy  which  is  not  given  to  the  ungodly,  but  to 
those  who  love  Thee  for  thine  own  sake,  whose  joy  thou  thy- 
self art.  —  St.  Augustine. 


Morning. 

OUR  Father,  we  thank  thee  for  thy  protection 
during  the  night  that  is  past,  and  ask  thy  bless- 
ing on  the  day  that  is  to  come. 

Grant  us  the  sense  of  thy  presence  to  cheer,  and 
thy  light  to  direct  us,  and  give  us  strength  for  thy 
service.  And  yet  more.  Father,  give  us  thine  own 
help  and  blessing  in  our  sorrows,  our  faintness,  our 
failure  and  sin.  Thou  knowest  that  we  cannot  bear 
our  burdens  alone.  We  are  only  little  children,  and 
the  world  seems  very  dark  to  us,  and  our  path  very 


100  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

hard,  if  we  are  alone.  But  we  are  thy  httle  chil- 
dren ;  and  so  we  know  we  can  come  to  our  Father, 
to  ask  thee  to  help  us,  and 'enliven  us,  and  strength- 
en us,  and  give  us  hope.  We  are  not  ashamed  of 
our  tears,  for  our  I^ord  has  wept  with  us.  We  do 
not  ask  thee  to  take  away  our  sorrow,  for  He  was 
made  perfect  through  suffering  ;  but  we  do  ask  thee 
to  be  with  us  as  thou  wert  with  Him,  our  Father, 
close  to  thy  little  ones,  even  as  he  as  promised  us. 
Amen. 

EVENING. 

OUR  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  we  would  close 
the  day  at  thy  mercy-seat,  with  thy  name  upon 
our  lips,  and  thoughts  of  thee  in  full  possession  of 
our  hearts.  Look  in  mercy,  we  beseech  thee,  upon 
whatever  in  our  lives  to-day  has  not  been  according 
to  thy  will ;  and  if  we  have  done  right,  generously 
serving  others,  in  devout  obedience  to  thee  ;  if  we 
have  made  evil  weaker,  the  temptations  to  sin  less 
dangerous  ;  if  we  have  made  one  human  soul,  one 
of  thy  children,  stronger,  purer,  better  ;  if  we  have 
done  aught  to  make  light  shine  into  dark  places,,  and 
cause  Heaven  to  dawn  upon  waiting  souls ;  —  -  we 
thank  thee  for  the  opportunity  and  power  to  do  such 
good.  O  that  we  may  more  and  more  appreciate 
the  privilege  of  being  fellow-workers  with  thee,  and 
with  Jesus  Christ  thy  Son,  in  bringing  salvation  to 


CHEERFULNESS.  \  ,,  \  \  \  ,        1^1; 

our  fellow-men  and  to  ourselves  !  'Fatfei:,^  iinprrfsg 
it  upon  us,  that  the  true  wisdom 'is  to  liVe  and  work 
with  thee.  Aid  us  to  sound  these  depths.  "  Thou 
in  us,  and  we  in  thee."  O,  give  us  the  joy  and 
peace  of  such  fellowship  with  thy  spirit,  and  our 
evenings  will  be  peaceful,  and  our  mornings  full  of 
hope  and  joy.  Through  all  our  experience  thou  art 
teachinor  us  that  there  is  no  lasting  cheerfulness, 
no  real  peace  but  in  connection  with  a  conscience 
void  of  offence,  and  an  assurance  that  our  life 
is  near  to  thee,  and  in  harmony  with  thy  will. 
Gracious  Father,  by  thy  Spirit  lead  us  to  tlie  feet 
of  Christ.  May  we  learn  of  him  how  to  live,  so 
that  even  while  here  below  Heaven  shall  be  open 
ing  its  bliss  and  glory  to  us. 

Now  we  lay  ourselves  down  to  sleep,  may  the 
good  angels  of  thy  care  and  love  be  round  about 
us.  We  ask  for  thy.  mercies  as  disciples  of  Jesus 
Christ.     Amen, 


i02  AITAR  AT  HOME, 


XXV. 


LOVE   TO  JESUS. 

O  Thou^  at  whose  almighty  word 

Fair  light  at  first  from  darkness  shonef 

Teach  us  to  know  our  glorious  Lord^ 
And  trace  the  Father  in  the  Son  ! 

While  we  thine  image,  there  displayed^ 

With  love  and  admiration  view, 

Form  us  in  likeness  to  our  Head, 

That  we  may  hear  thine  image  too. 

Mason. 

He  that  findeth  Jesus,  findeth  a  good  treasure  ;  yea,  a  good 
aioove  all  good.  —  A  Kempis. 

Jes^is  Christ,  the  same  yesterday,  and  to-day,  and  forever. 

All  men  should  honor  the  Son,  even  as  they  honor  the 
Father.  He  that  honoreth  not  the  Son,  honoreth  not  the 
Father  which  hath  sent  him. 

Jesus  said.  If  a  man  love  me,  he  will  keep  my  words. 

He  that  loveth  me  not,  keepeth  not  my  sayings :  and  the 
word  which  ye  hear  is  not  mine,  but  the  Father's,  which 
sent  me. 

He  that  hateth  me,  hateth  my  Father  also. 

Whosoever  believeth  that  Jesus  is  the  Christ,  is  bom  of 
God :  and  every  one  that  loveth  him  that  begat,  loveth  him 
\lso  that  is  begotten  of  him. 

Let  the  word  of  Christ  dwell  in  vou  richly  in  all  wisdom. 


LOVE   TO  JESUS.  103 

And  whatsoever  ye  do  in  word  or  deed,  do  all  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord  Jesus,  giving  thanks  to  Grod  and  the  Father  by 
him. 

Grow  in  grace,  and  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ.     To  him  be  glory  both  now  and  for- 


MoRNING. 

ALMIGHTY  Father,  we  thank  thee  for  the 
manifold  blessings  we  enjoy  at  thy  hand. 
For  the  gift  of  Hfe,  —  renewed  this  morning, — 
with  all  its  opportunities  and  privileges ;  for  health 
and  the  supply  of  our  daily  wants ;  for  the  ties  of 
friendship  and  the  sacred  relation  of  the  family 
circle,  we  thank  thee. 

But  especially  we  thank  thee  for  the  gift  of  thy 
Son,  our  SaMlpur,  who,  by  his  perfect  manifestation 
of  thine  infiiiite  goodness,  has  revealed  thee  to  us, 
as  a  Father  we  may  love  and  trust,  while  we  rev- 
erence and  adore. 

May  the  gratitude  which  should  fill  our  hearts 
overflow  in  affection  for  him  who  has  rendered  us 
this  inestimable  service ;  and  may  that  affection 
bring  forth  fruits  worthy  of  its  divine  prompting. 
May  it  make  us  patient  and  forbearing,  cheerful, 
unselfish,  trustful.  Bring  us  nearer  to  thee.  Help 
us  to  feel  that  this  blessed  Saviour  was  sent  to  draw 
us  closer  to  thine  embrace,  —  even  us,  of  this  family 
group :    rtpi  while  we   acknowledge  our  unfitness, 


104  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

our  shortcomings  and  imperfections,  may  the  re- 
membrance of  his  pure  life  —  though  he  was 
tempted  in  all  points  as  we  are  —  stimulate  us  to 
walli  in  the  narrow  path  which  leadeth  upwards 
to  thy  throne. 

Teach  us  to  know  Christ,  —  which  knowledge  is 
sufficient,  with  thy  blessing,  to  make  us  wise  unto 
salvation,  —  salvation  from  sin,  and  the  suffering  of 
a  guilty  conscience. 

Our  petitions  we  offer  in  the  name  of  thy  Son» 
our  Saviour.     Amen, 

Evening, 

OGOD,  in  whom  we  live,  so  great  and  so 
infinitely  above  us,  and  yet  so  near,  —  filling 
immensity  with  thy  presence,  and  |fet  dwelling 
closely  with  the  lowliest  of  thy  creatures  ;  adorable 
in  thy  majesty  and  power,  and  yet  so  tender  and 
worthy  to  be  loved,  —  we  would  draw  near  to  thee 
in  humble  and  grateful  praise. 

It  is  Thou  that  givest  to  all  things  their  being. 
Thou  givest  to  the  stars  their  light,  and  to  the  earth 
its  fruits,  and  to  each  one  of  us  the  blessings  of  our 
lives. 

And  yet,  O  our  Father,  how  forgetful  we  lave 
been  of  thee !  Forgive  us.  Almighty  God.  And 
now,  as  we  resign  ourselves  again  to  thy  watchful 
care,  help  us  to  realize  thy  goodness,  and  return  to 
thee  love  for  love. 


LOVE   TO  JESUS.  105 

Above  all,  we  remember  Him  whom  thou  didst 
Sbfid  into  the  world,  as  pledge  and  manifestation  of 
the  infinite  richness  of  thy  grace.  Gratefully  and 
tremblingly  we  thank  thee  for  this  precious  gift, 
and  for  the  assurance,  that,  in  the  mildness  and  com- 
passion of  Jesus,  and  in  his  tender,  unwearied  love, 
we  see  only  the  reflection  of  thyself. 

O,  let  it  not  be  that  he  has  come  to  us  in  vain  I 
May  the  remembrance  of  his  holy  life,  and  of  his 
tove  for  man,  of  his  prayers  for  our  redemption,  his 
acts  of  goodness  and  his  death  for  our  sake,  melt 
and  conquer  our  forgetful  and  rebelhous  hearts. 
And  may  our  narrow  and  sensual  natures  expand 
with  a  purer  affection,  as  we  behold  the  glory  of 
God  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ. 

Teach  us,  through  loving  him,  to  imitate  his 
spirit.  May  we  become  pure,  as  he  was  pure,  and, 
like  him,  may  we  make  it  our  meat  and  drink  to  do 
thy  holy  will. 

And  unto  thee,  through  him,  we  would  render 
glory  and  praise,  now  and  evermore.     Amen. 


6* 


106  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 


XXVI. 


AGAINST  ANGER. 

Quench  Thou  the  fires  of  hate  and  strife^ 

The  wasting  fever  of  the  heart; 
From  perils  guard  our  feehle  life^ 

And  to  our  souls  thy  peace  impart. 

Breviarf. 

Be  not  hasty  in  thy  spirit  to  be  angry,  for  anger  resteth  in 
the  bosom  of  fools. 

First  keep  thyself  in  peace,  and  then  shalt  thou  be  able  to 
pacify  others.  —  A  Kempis. 

He  that  is  slow  to  anger  is  better  than  the  mighty  ;  and  he 
that  ruleth  his  spirit,  than  he  that  taketh  a  city. 

A  passionate  man  turneth  even  good  to  evil,  and  easily  be- 
lieveth  the  worst.  —  A  Kempis. 

Anger,  of  all  passions,  endeavors  most  to  make  reason  use- 
less. It  is  neither  manly  nor  ingenuous.  It  is  a  confluence 
of  all  the  irregular  passions :  there  is  in  it  envy  and  sorrow, 
fear  and  scorn,  pride  and  prejudice,  rashness  and  inconsidera- 
tion,  rejoicing  in  evil  and  a  desire  to  inflict  it,  self  love,  impa- 
tience, and  curiosity.  —  Taylor. 

Give  me  a  mild  and  meek  and  peaceable  spirit,  that,  re- 
membering my  own  infirmities,  I  may  bear  with  those  of 
others.  —  Wilson. 

The  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  love,  joy,  peace,  long-suifering, 
gentleness,  goodness,  faith,  meekness,  temperance. 


AGAINST  ANGER.  107 

An  angry  man  stirreth  up  strife,  and  a  furious  man  abound- 
eth  in  transgression. 

Let  all  bitterness,  and  wrath,  and  anger,  and  clamor,  and 
evil  speaking,  be  put  away  from  you,  with  all  malice. 

Cease  from  anger,  and  forsake  wrath ;  fret  not  thyself  in 
any  wise  to  do  evil. 

He  that  is  slow  to  wrath  is  of  great  understanding ;  but  he 
that  is  hasty  of  spirit  exalteth  folly. 

Morning. 

OTHOU  Eternal  One,  whose  power  created 
and  whose  presence  guides  all  thy  works,  we 
praise  thee  with  grateful  hearts  that  we  are  con- 
sidered worthy  of  existence  in  thy  creation  !  We 
thank  thee  that  we,  who  are  so  weak  amid  powers 
so  awful,  who  are  so  helpless  in  the  midst  of  ne- 
cessities so  pressing,  so  liable  to  sin  where  the 
effects  of  sin  are  so  cruel,  can  look  up  to  thee,  the 
Creator  and  Ruler  of  all,  and  feel  that  our  poor 
souls  are  more  precious  in  thy  sight  than  all  the 
universe  beside ;  that,  with  all  thy  cares,  thou  dost 
still  care  for  us  ;  with  all  thy  working  in  law.,  thou 
dost  still  bless  and  help  and  inspire,  in  the  lib- 
erty of  love.  As  we  find  ourselves  driven  about 
by  destinies  which  we  cannot  control,  and  see  our 
fondest  hopes  perish,  and  our  most  cherished  in- 
terests fail,  help  us,  O  our  Father,  to  feel  that  all 
things  are   ordered   in   love ;   that   our  disappoint- 


108  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

ments  ai'e  our  best  discipline,  and  our  failures  the 
occasions  of  our  best  and  truest  success.  May  we^ 
therefore,  not  faint  when  we  are  rebuked  of  thee, 
knowing  that  thou  dost  not  chasten  us  for  thy 
pleasure,  but  for  our  profit. 

Save  us  from  all  impatience  and  restiveness 
under  the  discipline  of  our  lot.  Especially  save  us 
from  anger.  Help  us  to  restrain  the  fearful  pas- 
sion ere  it  rise  in  harsh  words,  or  frowning  looks, 
or  cruel  deeds ;  ere  it  destroy  our  peace  of  mind 
and  the  happiness  of  all  with  whom  we  are  asso- 
ciated. Thou  knowest  the  bitterness  of  our  re- 
pentance, whenever  we  yield  to  this  enemy  of  all 
that  is  beautiful  and  blessed  in  life ;  how  we  loathe 
our  weakness  and  folly!  Save  us,  we  pray  thee, 
from  the  unrest  and  wretchedness  which  follow  all 
transgressions.  May  we  overcome  the  evil  within 
us,  by  loving  all  that  is  good  and  lovely  in  others, 
and,  by  helping  our  neighbor,  forget,  and  thus  con- 
quer ourselves.  Hear  us  in  this  earnest  prayer  of 
our  hearts.  Keep  us  this  day  in  purity  and  peace, 
and  may  we  do,  think,  feel,  nothing  which  is  not 
acceptable  in  thy  sight ;  and  to  thy  name  shall  b>3 
the  glory  and  honor  forever.     Amen. 


H 


EVENING. 

OLY  sc'^d.  good  God,  our  Father,  we  thank 
thee   for   life   through   another   day.      Thou 


AGAINST  ANGER.  109 

hast  given  us  strength  to  bear  its  burdens  and  per- 
form its  duties.  Through  thee  we  have  enjoyed  its 
good  and  escaped  its  dangers.  Thy  power  is  over 
us,  a  covering  and  a  defence  by  night.  Day  and 
night  are  thine,  and  for  both  we  praise  and  give 
thee  thanks,  who  alone  makest  us  to  dwell  in  safety. 
For  whatsoever  of  good  we  have  had  strength  and 
opportunity  to  do,  we  give  thee  the  glory,  for  it  is 
thou  who  workest  in  us  both  to  will  and  to  do  of 
thy  good  pleasure.  With  the  labors  and  cares  of 
the  day  that  is  gone,  help  us  to  lay  aside  all  evil 
and  unhappy  feelings,  and  to  be  at  rest.  May 
there  be  in  us  no  discontent  with  thy  Providence, 
no  impatience  or  ill  will  towards  our  fellow-beings. 
Now,  in  the  stillness  of  the  night,  we  call  thee  to 
mind,  whom  too  often  we  forget  in  the  noise  of  the 
day.  We  rejoice  that  thou  art  ever  mindful  of  us. 
If  this  day  we  have  knowingly  sinned  against  thee, 
may  we  sincerely  repent,  and  make  confession  in 
our  hearts  to  thee ;  and  do  thou,  O  God,  forgive 
us,  and  make  our  repentance  effectual.  How  rich 
thy  love,  which  has  blessed  us  so  long  and  abun- 
dantly !  When  we  have  turned  from  thee,  and 
done  wrong,  and  in  many  things  come  short  of  our 
duty,  thou  hast  not  in  anger  cast  us  oflP,  but  hast 
still  been  kind.  May  thy  tender  mercy  to  us  lead 
us  to  be  patient  and  kind  to  each  other  and  to  all. 
May  we  live  in  love,  that  thou  mayest  dwell  in  us. 
Let  us  not  suffer  any  angry  or  resentful  thought  to 


110  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

remain  in  us  now,  a  spring  of  sin  and  bitterness, 
driving  out  thy  Holy  Spirit.  May  we  truly  and 
wholly  forgive  any  that  have  injured  or  caused  pain 
to  us.  We  ask  of  thee  the  sleep  which  renews  our 
weary  bodies,  but  first  we  pray  that  thy  peace  may 
be  in  our  hearts,  that  we  may  lie  down  in  charity 
with  all. 

God  of  our  lives  and  Father  of  our  spirits,  watch 
over  us,  and  those  whom  we  love ;  keep  us  from 
danger,  suffering,  and  death.  Yet  prepare  us,  O 
God,  for  the  night  from  which  we  shall  not  wake  on 
earth,  that  we  may  rise  from  it  to  an  eternal  and 
blessed  life. 

Grant  us  thy  blessing,  through  Jesus,  our  Lord 
and  Saviour,  in  whom  we  praise  and  glorify  thee, 
our  Father  and  God.     Amen, 


XXVII. 
WEARY  NOT  IN  WELL-DOING, 

0,  may  I  never  faint  nor  tire, 
Nor,  wandering,  leave  His  sacred  ways  ! 

Great  God  I  accept  my  soul's  desire, 
And  give  me  strength  to  live  thy  praise. 

Mrs.  Steele. 

Be  not  weaned  out  by  the  labors  which  thou  hast  under- 
taken for  my  sake,  nor  let  tribulations  cast  thoe  down  ever  at 


WEARY  NOT  IN   WELL-DOING.  HI 

all ;  but  let  my  promise  strengthen  and  comfort  thee  undeT' 
every  circumstance.  —  A  Kempis. 

The  labor  of  the  righteous  tendeth  to  life ;  the  fruit  of  th« 
wicked,  to  sin. 

A  faithful  man  shall  abound  with  blessings. 

Let  us  not  be  weary  in  well-doing,  for  in  due  season  we  shall 
reap  if  we  faint  not. 

Happy  that  soul  which  death  finds  rich,  not  in  gold,  furni- 
ture, learning,  reputation,  or  barren  purposes  and  desires, 
but  in  good  works.  —  Wilson. 

For  God  is  not  unrighteous  to  forget  your  work  and  labor 
of  love,  which  ye  showed  towards  his  name. 

Be  not  slothful,  but  followers  of  them  who,  through  faith 
and  patience,  inherit  the  promises. 

For  religion  cannot  change,  though  we  do ;  and,  if  we  do, 
we  have  left  God ;  and  whither  he  can  go  that  goes  from  God, 
his  own  sorrows  will  soon  enough  instruct  him.  —  Taylor. 

The  Lord  giveth  power  to  the  faint ;  and  to  them  that  have 
no  might  he  increaseth  strength. 

They  that  wait  on  the  Lord  shall  renew  their  strength. 

They  shall  mount  up  with  wings,  as  eagles ;  they  shall  run, 
and  not  be  weary ;  and  they  shall  walk,  and  not  faint. 

To  him  that  overcometh  will  I  grant  to  sit  with  me  in.  my 
throne,  even  as  I  also  overcame,  and  am  set  down  with  my 
Father  in  his  throne. 


W 


Morning. 

E  thank  thee,  O  thou  Preserver  of  men,  that 
thou  hast  permitted  us  to  wake,  refres]ied 


il2  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

by  the  repose  of  the  night,  to  behold  the  cheering 
light  of  the  morning,  and  to  enter  with  renewed 
strength  upon  the  duties  of  another  day.  We 
adore  thee  for  thy  unwearied  mercy,  of  which  we 
have  been  constantly  partakers.  We  bless  thee 
that  thou  hast  given  us  intelligence  to  perceive,  and 
hearts  to  feel,  thy  ever-flowing  goodness.  With 
our  minds  and  our  hearts  would  we  praise  thee.  O 
that  we  might  also  glorify  thee,  this  day,  in  our 
lives  I  Quicken  us,  we  beseech  thee,  to  do  thy  will. 
Let  gratitude  incite  us  to  diligence  in  thy  service. 
Let  thy  new  blessings  provoke  us  to  new  obedience. 
Help  us,  O  Lord,  to  resume,  this  day,  the  great 
work  of  life  with  renewed  zeal  and  resolution.  If 
it  be  thy  will,  may  it  be  a  day  of  activity  and  accom- 
plishment. May  we  do  with  our  might  whatsoever 
our  hands  find  to  do.  May  we  not  yield  to  sloth  or 
any  weakness.  May  each  hour  be  well  spent,  and 
each  duty,  as  it  presents  itself,  be  met  with  a  cheer- 
ful and  devoted  spirit,  —  be  done  as  for  thee,  with 
the  alacrity  of  filial  love. 

We  pray  for  courage,  fortitude,  and  persever- 
ance. Strengthen  us,  O  Lord,  with  might  by  thy 
Spirit  in  the  inner  man.  Let  our  hearts  be  set  to 
do  one  thing,  —  to  reach  forth  towards  what  is  be- 
fore ;  to  press  towards  the  mark  for  the  prize  of  the 
high  calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus,  our  Lord ;  — 
turning  neither  to  the  right  hand  nor  to  the  left 
from  the  narrow  wav  that  leadeth  unto   life.     O 


WEARY  NOT  IN    WELT^DOING.  113 

that  we  might  be  able  to  spend  this  day  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  approve  ourselves  in  thy  sight;  to 
keep  a  conscience  void  of  offence ;  to  perform  use- 
ful service  to  our  fellow-men,  and  lay  up  for  our- 
selves treasure  in  heaven,  —  so  that  if,  in  thy  wise 
providence,  it  should  be  the  last  of  our  earthly  days, 
it  may  be  the  best  and  brightest ! 

But,  Heavenly  Father,  whatever  the  day  may 
bring  forth,  —  whether  strength  or  weakness,  joy  or 
sorrow,  success  or  failure,  life  or  death,  be  awaiting 
us  in  its  unknown  course,  —  we  would  go  forward 
without  anxiety  or  apprehension ;  trusting  all  to 
thee,  to  whom  we  breathe  our  prayer,  and  who  wilt 
cause  all  things  to  work  together  for  good  to  them 
that  seek  thee.  Hallowed  be  thy  name.  Thy 
kingdom  come ;  thy  will  be  done  on  earth,  as  it  is 
in  heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread.  For- 
give us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors.  And 
lead  us  not  into  temptation;  but  deliver  us  from 
evil ;  for  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the  poWer,  and 
the  glory,  forever.     Amen. 

EVENINQ. 

O  BLESSED  God,  the  day  is  thine,  the  night 
also  is  thine.  Thine  infinite  patience  and 
love  are  still  over  us,  and,  as  we  lie  down  to  rest, 
we  would  feel  a  reverent  confidence  and  joy  that 
thou  art  our  keeper.     The  day  that  has  closed  has 


114  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

carried  its  record  up  to  thee.  Forgive  us,  O  God, 
if  in  anything  we  have  been  unfaithful  or  unkind. 
Let  us  contemplate  thy  goodness  and  faithfulness 
until  we  shall  feel  the  joy  of  a  soul  filled  with  duty 
and  love.  Thou  knowest  our  weakness,  how  our 
good  purposes  and  pure  desires  too  often  weary  and 
faint.  We  need  thine  aid.  O  condemn  us  not, 
but  pity  us  and  help  us  according  to  thy  love.  If 
we  have  failed  of  any  good  intent  which  we  felt  in 
our  hearts  when  we  went  out  in  the  morning,  O 
renew  our  mind,  that,  if  our  lives  are  preserved, 
we  may  return  to  our  duty  on  the  morrow  with 
stronger  and  holier  purpose ;  may  we  be  sup- 
ported by  the  thought  that,  whatever  we  do  as 
unto  God,  is  a  service  of  God  which  thou  wilt  not 
despise.  And  so  may  our  common  labors  contin- 
ually refresh  our  souls  with  the  consciousness  of 
thine  approval.  Keep  us  to-night ;  give  us  sweet 
sleep,  and  awake  us  in  the  morning  to  joy  and 
gladness  in  thee.     Amen. 


SOWING  AND  REAPING.  115 

xxvm. 

SOWING  AND  REAPING. 

Do  thy  best  always^ —  do  it  now,  — 

For  in  the  present  time, 
As  in  the  furrows  of  a  plough, 

Fall  seeds  of  good  or  crime. 

The  sun  and  rain  ivUl  ripen  fast 

Each  seed  that  thou  hast  sown ; 
And  every  act  and  word  at  last 

By  its  own  fruit  be  known. 

Jones  Vert. 

-They  that  sow  in  tears  shall  reap  in  joy. 

He  that  goeth  forth  and  weepeth,  bearing  precious  seed,  shall 
doubtless  come  again  with  rejoicing,  bringing  his  sheaves  with 
him. 

Blessed  are  ye  that  sow  beside  all  waters. 

He  that  soweth  sparingly,  shall  reap  sparingly ;  and  he  that 
soweth  bountifully,  shall  reap  bountifully. 

They  that  plough  iniquity,  and  sow  wickedness,  reap  the 


Sow  to  yourselves  in  righteousness,  reap  in  mercy  ;  break  up 
the  fallow  ground ;  for  it  is  time  to  seek  the  Lord,  till  he  come 
and  rain  righteousness  upon  you. 

Ye  have  ploughed  wickedness,  ye  have  reaped  iniquity. 

Be  not  deceived :  God  is  not  mocked ;  for  whatsoever  a 
man  soweth,  that  shall  he  also  reap. 


116  ALTAR  AT  HOME 

For  he  that  soweth  to  his  flesh,  shall  of  the  flesh  reap  cor-, 
ruption  ;  but  he  that  soweth  to  the  spirit,  shall  of  the  spirit 
reap  life  everlasting. 

He  that  soweth  iniquity  shall  reap  vanity. 

The  wicked  worketh  a  deceitful  work :  but  to  him  that 
soweth  righteousness  shall  be  a  sure  reward. 

Now  he  that  ministereth  seed  to  the  sower,  both  minister 
bread  for  your  food,  and  multiply  your  seed  sown,  and  increase 
the  fruits  of  your  righteousness. 

Being  enriched  in  everything  to  all  bountifulness,  which 
causeth  through  us  thanksgiving  to  God. 

Morning. 

WITH  the  new  day,  we  would  again  offer 
before  the  Most  High  God  our  gratitude 
and  praise.  By  thy  good  Spirit  are  the  minds  and 
hearts  of  thy  people  taught,  and  guided,  and  sanc- 
tified. By  thy  holy  Providence  are  every  good 
word  and  work  encouraged.  And  we  pray  that 
thy  blessing  may  rest  upon  the  efforts  of  thy  chil- 
dren to  promote  the  cause  of  truth  and  right  in  all 
the  world.  May  thy  wisdom  fill  the  souls  of  those 
who  teach.  May  success  attend  those  who  attempt 
the  relief  of  sorrow  and  suffering.  We  desire  to 
be  in  true  sympathy  with  all  who  seek  to  build  up 
thy  kingdom  on  earth,  and  to  join  with  them  in 
labors  and  sacrifices,  as  we  bave  fit  opportunity. 
Strengthen  the  hands  and  establish  the  hearts  of 


SOWANG  Al:  D  REAPING.  117 

such  as  anywliere  bear  testimony  to  tlie  Gospel  of 
thy  Son.  Bless  thy  servant,  our  pastor,  and  those 
who  are  helping  his  work.  Bless  the  church  and 
society  with  which  we  are  connected.  Build  it  up 
in  the  most  holy  faith.  Let  no  discouragement 
hinder  the  fidelity  of  the  members  to  their  duty. 
Amid  all  changes,  may  we  feel  that  the  good  seed 
of  thy  word  is  not  sown  in  vain.  May  the  fruits 
of  thy  salvation  abound.  May  the.  young  remem- 
ber thee  in  the  morning  of  their  days,  and  the  aged 
be  filled  with  thy  peace,  and  all  to  whom  thou 
givest  strength  do  thy  work  till  ilvj  kingdom  shall 
fully  come.  This,  and  all  our  prayers,  we  would 
offer  in  the  name  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ.     Amen, 

Evening. 

OGOD,  our  ever-present  Friend  and  Father, 
thy  providence  has  watched  over  us  'and 
blessed  us  through  another  day.  We  have  been 
made  glad  by  new  gifts  from  thee.  Thou  hast 
bestowed  new  means  of  progress  in  knowledge  and 
in  purity,  new  opportunities  of  service  to  thee  and 
to  our  fellow-men.  We  confess  our  sinful  neglects, 
our  inexcusable  misimprovement  of  the  talents 
committed  to  our  trust.  We  mourn  that  we  have 
failed  to  listen  to  so  many  of  the  angels  of  thy  love, 
whom  thou  hast  graciously  sent  to  call  us  to  works 
of  truth   and   love.     But,  O    Father,   if  we   have 


118  ALTAR  AT  HOME 

been  moved  to  do  anything  this  day,  or  in  for- 
mer days,  in  accordance  with  thj^  will,  we  give 
unto  thee  the  glory  and  the  praise 

Father,  help  us  to  realize  the  responsibility  that 
rests  upon  us.  Save  us  from  sowing  the  seeds  of 
evil  in  our  hearts,  or  in  the  world,  by  our  unfaith- 
tiibess  or  our  sin.  Aid  us,  day  by  day,  to  plant 
that  love  and  patience  and  purity  within  our  own 
souls  and  in  others'  breasts,  which  shall  bring 
forth  blessed  fruits,  an  hundred-fold.  Thou  wilt 
not  deliver  us  from  the  just  retribution  for  our  mis- 
deeds, but  thou  wilt  open  all  the  treasures  of  thy 
PTac3  to  crown  the  efforts  of  every  true  and  loving 
heart. 

Father,  we  thank  thee  that  thou  dost  permit  us 
to  become  mmisters  of  good  to  other  souls.  Even 
such  as  we,  may  do  something  to  carry  forward  tliy 
purposes  of  mercy,  for  thou  dost  accept  the  smallest 
service  of  faith  and  love,  and  bestow  upon  it  thy 
benediction.  Deliver  us  from  the  pride  that  buries 
any  single  talent  in  the  earth,  because  we  have  net 
been  endowed  with  greater  gifts.  May  we  not  de- 
spise the  lowly  work  which  seems  great  in  thy  sight. 
May  we  rejoice  to  send  one  new  ray  of  light  into 
darkened  homes ;  to  excite  one  new  pulse  of  joy  in 
the  sorrowing  breast.  May  we  thus  learn  to  go 
about  doing  good,  remembering  that  every  smallest 
ministry  to  the  least  of  these  his  brethren  is  a  min- 
Istr}'  to  him  who  is  our  Master  and  Lord. 


FIDELITY  IN  DAILY  DUTIES.  HQ 

O  God,  we  can  only  work  in  faith  and  trust,  but 
we  know  that  thou  wilt  permit  no  seed  of  holy 
effort  to  be  sown  in  vain.  When  the  day  of  life 
shall  close,  O  grant  that  we  may  be  found  to  have 
been  faithful  to  life's  solemn  trusts,  and  fitted  to 
receive  the  benediction,  "  Enter  into  the  joy  of 
your  Lord."  Hear  our  prayer,  for  thy  infinite 
mercy's   sake.     Amen, 


XXIX. 

FIDELITT  IN  DAILY  DUTIES. 

All  may  of  thee  partake  ; 
Nothing  so  small  can  &e, 
But  draws,  when  acted  for  thy  sake, 
Greatness  and  worth  from  thee. 

If  done  beneath  thy  laws. 
Even  servile  labors  shine ; 
Hallowed  is  toil,  if  this  the  cause, 
The  meanest  work  divine. 

Herbert. 

A  man's  virtue  is  not  to  be  measured  by  his  great  attempts, 
but  by  his  common  actions.  —  Pascal. 

He  that  is  faithful  in  that  which  is  least,  is  faithful  also  in 
much  ;  and  he  that  is  unjust  in  the  least,  is  unjust  also  in 
much. 

The  desire  of  the  slothful  killeth  him  ;  for  his  hands  refuse 
to  labor. 


120  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

He  coveteth  greedily  all  the  day  long ;  but  the  righteous 
giveth  and  spareth  not. 

In  the  morning  sow  thy  seed,  and  in  the  evening  withhold 
not  thine  hand. 

See  that  ye  walk  circumspectly,  not  as  fools,  but  as  wise ; 
redeeming  the  time,  because  the  days  are  evil. 

And  whatsoever  ye  do,  in  word  or  deed,  do  all  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord  Jesus,  giving  thanks  to  God  and  the  Father  by 
him. 

It  is  only  by  fidelity  in  little  things  that  a  true  and  con- 
stant love  to  God  can  be  distinguished  from  a  passing  fervor  of 
spirit.  —  Fenelon. 

It  is  with  piety  as  with  the  mysterious  ladder  that  was  ex- 
hibited to  the  patriarch  Jacob,  the  foot  of  which  rested  on  the 
earth,  but  the  sunmiit  reached  the  skies ;  it  is  only  by  degrees 
that  we  can  ascend,  but  it  is  by  degrees  that  we  can  finally 
arrive  at  the  highest  elevation  of  which  our  nature  is  capa- 
ble. —  St.  Basil. 

Observed  duties  maintain  our  credit,  but  secret  duties  main- 
tain our  life.  —  Flavel. 


Morning. 

OUR  Heavenly  Father,  we  come  with  the  light 
of  thy  morning  about  us,  and  with  the  dawn 
of  hope  and  aspiration  within  us,  to  praise  and  glo- 
rify thee,  from  whom  are  all  light  and  strength. 
We  come,  O  Father,  trusting  in  thy  tender  mercy 
and  loving-kindness  that  thou  wilt  forgive  all  our 
transgressions,  wilt  strengthen  the  better  purposes 


FIDELITY  IN  DAILY  DU2IES.  121 

of  our  hearts,  and  wilt  shine  upon  our  souls  with 
continually  brighter  radiance,  until  thou  shalt  bring 
us  unto  the  endless  day  in  which  they  dwell  who 
perfectly  do  thy  will. 

We  thank  thee  that  we  are  permittei  again  to 
take  our  place  among  the  great  company  of  thy 
servants  who  wait,  on  earth  and  in  heaven,  to  per- 
form thy  bidding  ;  and  we^  too,  would  -wait  with 
humble,  trustful  hearts,  looking  to  thee  alone  for 
the  power  to  do  the  work  which  this  day  shall  put 
into  our  hands.  Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  that  these 
hours  may  be  marked  by  faithfulness  in  all  the  du- 
ties that  thou  layest  upon  us,  in  the  spirit,  not  of 
fear,  but  of  love.  Teach  us  that  there  is  nothing 
small  and  nothing  great  before  thee,  but  that  thou 
art  as  well  pleased  with  the  scanty  service  which 
we  can  offer  thee  in  the  common  occupations  of  our 
daily  lives,  as  with  the  greatest  deeds  of  saints  and 
martyrs,  being  satisfied  if  we  have  done  what  we 
could.  Strengthen  us  against  temptation,  and  con- 
firm us  in  the  feeling  of  our  constant  depend,^ce 
upon  thee.  Help  us  to  overcome  the  tumultuouj 
strife  within,  and  the  enticements  from  without  us, 
which  would  distract  our  thoughts  from  thee,  and 
to  recognize,  in  everything  which  thou  givest  us  to 
do,  thy  hand  in  wisdom  leading  us  on  and  disciplin- 
ing us,  by  the  small  requirements  and  petty  cares 
of  this  earthly  Kfe,  for  the  grander  opportunities  of 
service  which,  in  thy  eternal  world,  shall  be  given 


122  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

to  those  who  here  have  listened  to  the  voice  of 
duty  and  have  not  been  disobedient  to  the  heavenly 
vision. 

Hear  and  accept  our  petitions,  we  pray  thee,  in 
the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Evening. 

ALMIGHTY  God,  we  have  always  to  thank 
thee  for  thy  kindness,  —  and  again  we  close 
the  day  with  our  grateful  prayer.  The  events  of 
each  day  reveal  anew  thy  love  and  care  for  us.  Do 
not  let  us  trust  in  our  own  wisdom  or  our  own 
strength,  but  teach  us  thy  way,  and  make  us  rest 
on  thy  right  arm.  Show  us  what  we  can  do  each 
day,  that  thy  kingdom  may  more  quickly  come ;  and 
with  thy  Spirit  inspire  our  spirits,  that  we  may  do  it 
bravely  and  cheerfully,  as  thy  children.  May  the 
devotions  of  this  hour  help  to  prepare  us  for  to- 
morrow's duty,  help  us  to  stand  firmly  and  labor 
faithfully. 

Bless  us  with  thy  watchful  care  as  we  retire  to 
rest,  and  may  our  sleep  be  peaceful  and  refreshing. 
We  know  that  thou  wilt  hear  our  prayer,  because 
thou  hast  promised  in  thy  Son  that  thou  wilt  give 
thy  little  flock  the  victory.  We  come  to  thee  in 
his  name.     Amen. 


THE  LOVE   OF   GOD.  128 

XXX. 

THE  LOVE   OF  GOD. 

0  Source  divine^  and  Life  of  all^ 
The  Fount  of  being's  wondrous  sea  ! 
Thy  depth  would  every  heart  appall^ 
That  saw  not  Love  supreme  in  thee. 

Sterluto. 

We  have  known  and  believed  the  love  that  God  hath  to  as. 
God  is  love. 

Herein  is  love,  not  that  we  loved  God,  but  that  he  loved  us. 

How  excellent  is  thy  loving-kindness,  O  God  !  therefore 
the  children  of  men  put  their  trust  under  the  shadow  of  thy 
wings. 

In  this  was  manifested  the  love  of  God  towards  us,  because 
that  God  sent  his  only  begotten  Son  into  the  world,  that  we 
might  live  through  him. 

For  I  am  persuaded,  that  neither  death,  nor  life,  nor  angels, 
nor  principalities,  nor  powers,  nor  things  present,  nor  things  to 
come, 

Nor  height,  nor  depth,  nor  any  other  creature,  shall  be  able 
to  separate  us  from  the  love  of  God  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus 
our  Lord. 

If  God  bt  for  us,  who  can  be  against  us  ? 

Blessed  be  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
who  hath  blessed  us  with  all  spiritual  blessings. 

The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  over  the  righteous,  and  his  ears 


124  ALT  in   AT  HOME. 

are  open  unto  their  prayers  ;  but  the  face  of  the  l..ord  Is  agalns< 
them  that  do  evil. 

Good  and  upright  is  the  Lord,  therefore  will  he  teach  sinners 
in  the  way. 

The  Lord  is  good  unto  them  that  wait  for  him,  to  the  soul 
that  seeketh  him. 

The  love  of  men  is  good,  whilst  it  lasteth  ;  the  love  of  God 
is  better,  being  everlasting.  —  Warwick. 


Morning. 

IN  the  light  of  this  new  day,  thou  Father  of 
lights  and  of  mercies,  we  rejoice  to  behold  a 
new  token  of  thy  goodness.  While  day  unto  day 
uttereth  speech,  may  our  ears  be  open  to  hear,  and 
our  hearts  to  welcome,  the  glad  tidings  which 
heaven  and  earth  are  telling  of  thee.  May  we 
learn  to  see  thee  in  all  thy  works,  and,  amid  the 
bountiful  gifts  of  thy  Providence,  feel  more  the 
kindness  reaching  down  to  us  than  the  gift  which  it 
bestows.  May  all  that  is  bright  and  beautiful 
around  us  speak  to  us  of  thy  transcendent  goodness, 
thine  unchanging  love.  May  all  that  is  endearing 
in  our  friends  remind  us  of  a  friendship  more  dear 
and  sacred.  Through  things  seen  and  temporal 
may  we  learn  to  behold  the  riches  and  the  glory  of 
thine  unseen  and  eternal  kingdom.  By  the  daily 
consecration  of  ourselves  to  thee,  by  prayer,  by 
devout  and  holy  living,  may  we  experience  in  our 


THE  LOVE   OF   GOD  125 

hearts  the  exceeding  richness  of  thy  grace  and  the 
tenderness  of  thy  love.  May  we  live  on  earth  lives 
of  thankfulness  and  praise,  and  having,  each  day, 
finished  the  work  which  thou  hast  given  us  to  do, 
may  we  enter  into  the  rest  which  remaineth  for 
the  people  of  God,  through  thy  great  mercy  in 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Evening. 

WE  bless  thee,  O  God,  for  all  thy  gifts,  but 
most  of  all  for  the  gift  of  thyself.  We  ask 
for  thine  help,  that  we  may  receive  all  familiar 
blessings  as  from  thy  bountiful  hand  ;  but  yet  more 
fervently  do  we  pray  that  in  them  we  may  receive 
thee,  and  by  them  be  made  to  live  and  move  and 
have  our  being  in  thy  love. 

May  we  thus  take  our  daily  bread  from  thee,  and 
find  in  it  the  food  alike  of  the  soul  and  of  the  body, 
knowing  that  we  are  not  to  live  by  bread  alone,  but 
by  every  word  from  the  mouth  of  God.  On  thy 
living  and  eternal  word  may  we  day  by  day  be  fed, 
and  do  thou  graciously  give  us  evermore  this  heav- 
enly bread.  In  the  things  that  thou  hast  made 
may  we  seek  and  enjoy  thee,  the  Maker.  May  the 
light  be  to  us  the  brightness  of  thy  glory,  the  air 
the  breath  of  thy  spirit,  the  water  the  fountain  of 
thy  truth,  and  the  worlds  the  work  of  thy  power. 

We  bless  thee  for  the  gift  of  love,  and  for  the 


126  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

crown  of  this  gift,  the  faculty  of  knowing  and  lov- 
ing tliee.  We  rejoice  that  thou  hast  condescended 
to  draw  near  to  us,  thy  dependent,  waiting  crea- 
tures, and  as  the  known  God,  the  Father  in  heaven, 
to  visit  us  with  grace,  and  to  ask  to  abide  with  us 
in  thy  comforting  Spirit.  Thou  art  more  ready  to 
bless  us  than  we  are  to  ask  thy  blessing,  and  what 
thy  work  and  thy  providence  have  always  signi- 
fied, thy  gospel  fully  declares,  —  that  thou  wouldest 
give  thyself  to  us,  the  children  of  men,  and  make 
us  the  children  of  God. 

All  glory  be  to  thee,  the  Heavenly  Father,  for 
him  in  whom  thy  love  dwelt  and  dwells  in  such 
unspeakable  fulness,  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son,  our 
Saviour.  May  we  love  thee  in  him,  and  him  in 
thee.  Give  us,  O  give  us,  through  him  and  by  thy 
Spirit,  a  blessed  sense  of  oneness  with  thy  family 
on  earth  and  in  heaven,  that,  no  longer  broken 
branches,  we  may  abide  in  the  true  vine,  and,  no 
longer  lost  sheep,  we  may  be  of  the  one  fold  and 
the  one  Shepherd. 

Hear  us  in  this  our  lowly  prayer,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen, 


DEAL  JUSTLY,  AND  LOVE  MERCY.      127 


XXXI. 
DEAL   yUSTLT,  AND  LOVE  MERCY. 

O,  t^est  (he  man  whose  aims  and  ardors  rise 

On  FaiOCs  strong  pinions  soaring  to  the  skies  ; 

Yet,  wkUe  conversing  here  ivith  want  and  woe, 

Acts  the  good  minister  of  Heaven  below. 

The  poor  relieved,  the  widow's  wrongs  redressed^ 

The  darkened  mind  illumed  with  heavenly  day, 

The  sympathies,  that  soothe  the  burdened  breast 

And  wipe  Affliction's  tear  away, — 

These  on  the  friendly,  generous  mind 

Will  draw  God's  choicest  blessings  doum  ; 

He  'II  mercy  show  for  mercies  shown, 

And  still  be  kindest  to  the  kind. 

Henry  Moorb. 

Thus  speaketh  the  Lord  of  hosts,  saying,  Execute  true  judg- 
ment, and  show  mercy  and  compassion  every  man  to  his 
brother : 

And  oppress  not  the  widow  nor  the  fatherless,  the  stranger 
nor  the  poor. 

Have  we  not  all  one  father  ?  hath  not  our  God  created  us  ? 
why  do  we  deal  treacherously  every  man  against  his  brother  ? 

Render  to  all  their  dues. 

The  wicked  borroweth,  and  payeth  not  again;  but  the 
•righteous  showeth  mercy,  and  giveth. 

He  is  ever  merciful,  and  lendeth  ;  and  his  seed  is  blessed. 

Defend  the  poor  and  fatherless ;  do  justice  to  the  afflicted 
and  needy. 


128  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

Let  no  man  put  a  stumbling-block,  or  an  occasion  to  fall,  ir 
his  brother's  way. 

A  good  man  showeth  favor,  and  lendeth :  he  will  guide  his 
affairs  with  discretion. 

Withhold  not  good  from  them  to  whom  it  is  (Jue,  when  it  is 
in  the  power  of  thine  hand  to  do  it. 

The  merciful  man  doeth  good  to  his  own  soul ;  but  he  that 
is  cruel  troubleth  his  own  flesh. 

Woe  unto  him  that  buildeth  his  house  by  unrighteousness, 
and  his  chambers  by  wrong. 

He  that  hath  pity  upon  the  poor  lendeth  unto  the  Lord ;  and 
that  which  he  hath  given  will  he  pay  him  again. 

He  that  by  usury  and  unjust  gain  incrcaseth  his  substance, 
he  shall  gather  it  for  him  that  will  pity  the  poor. 


Morning. 

OTHOU  infinite  Parent,  who  by  thy  prov- 
idence dost  enrich  us  every  day  with  innu- 
merable blessings,  we  thank  thee  for  thy  goodness. 
As  we  remember  thy  mercies,  may  there  spring  up 
in  our  hearts  the  feeling  of  universal  kindness,  and 
may  our  lives  be  so  pervaded  with  the  religion  of 
thy  Son,  that,  like  him,  we  may  go  about  doing 
good.  We  would  now  lift  up  our  affections  in  ar- 
dent prayer.  Kindle  within  us  a  devout  fervor  of 
soul.  On  the  wings  of  faith  may  our  thoughts  rise 
heavenward.  But  while  thus  we  would  cherish 
devout  sentiments,  grant  that  we  also  may  go  forth 


DEAL  JUSTLY,  AND  LOVE  MERCY.      129 

to  the  duties  of  tliis  day  with  the  love  of  our 
fellow-men  dwelling  within  us.  May  we  be  kind 
and  charitable  in  our  judgments,  loving  mercy, 
dealing  justly,  and  walking  humbly  before  thee. 
Strengthen  within  us  the  desire  to  relieve  the 
needy,  to  lift  up  the  downcast  and  degraded, 
and  to  do  something  to  diminish  the  wickedness 
and  woe  of  the  world.  We  pray  for  men  in  all 
conditions  of  outward  life  and  inward  states  of 
mind.  We  would  carry  on  our  hearts  to  thee  the 
memory  of  the  slave.  May  the  days  of  his  bond- 
age be  numbered,  and  cause  the  light  of  univer- 
sal liberty  to  be  rapidly  spread  abroad.  Hasten 
the  day  when  thy  glorious  kingdom  shall  come 
and  thy  will  be  done  on  earth  as  in  heaven.  May 
we  thy  children  walk  in  the  footsteps  of  our  Master 
and  do  all  in  our  power  to  wipe  away  the  tear  of 
sorrow  and  soothe  the  heart  in  its  anguish ;  and,  by 
our  ready  and  tender  sympathy,  encourage  the 
weak,  cheer  the  desponding,  enlighten  the  ignorant, 
and  reform  the  sinful.  Increase  our  faith  in  the 
power  of  true  religion  as  a  means  of  the  world's 
redemption,  and  through  the  benign  and  healing 
influences  of  the  Gospel  may  there  come  the  reign 
of  happiness,  virtue,  and  peace.  With  lowly  self- 
denial,  may  we  so  live  every  day  as  to  help  bear 
others'  burdens,  and  give  proof  of  our  love  of  thee, 
whom  we  have  not  seen,  by  our  love  of  our  brother, 
whom  we  have  seen ;  and  thus,  by  fidelity  to  the 

6*  T 


130  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

great  law  of  love,  have  our  souls  created  anew  in 
Christ.  May  we  in  heart  and  life  be  formed  in  the 
Saviour's  image,  through  whom  to  thee  would  we 
render  eternal  praise  and  thanksgiving,  world  with- 
out end.     Amen. 

EVENING. 

ALMIGHTY  and  most  merciful  God,  we  ac- 
knowledge thy  goodness  in  permitting  us  to 
enjoy  another  day,  filled  with  the  manifestations  of 
thy  loving  care. 

Give  to  us  more  and  more  of  that  faith  which 
works  by  love  and  overcomes  the  world.  May  we 
show  that  we  are  Christians,  by  the  care  with  which 
we  fulfil  every  sacred  trust ;  by  meekness  and  gen- 
tleness and  long-suffering  in  all  our  domestic  rela- 
tions ;  by  keeping  our  thoughts  and  affections  pure ; 
by  sympathizing  in  each  other's  troubles,  and  bear- 
ing each  other's  burdens,  —  doing  justly,  loving 
mercy,  and  walking  humbly  with  God. 

O  Thou  in  whose  hands  our  breath  is,  and  whose 
are  all  our  ways !  we  do  not  trust  in  ourselves ;  we 
trust  in  thee.  So  long  as  we  continue  in  this  world 
of  difficulty  and  trial,  take  not  thine  holy  Spirit 
from  us,  but  lift  upon  us  the  light  of  thy  coun- 
tenance, and  give  us  peace  ;  and,  at  the  last,  receive 
us  unto  thyself,  through  thine  infinite  mercy  in  Him 
who  loved  us  and  gave  himself  for  us.     Amen, 


LIFE  EVERLASTING.  131 

XXXII. 

LIFE  EVERLASTING. 

Forever  blessed  they, 

Whose  joyful  feet  shaJl  stand, 
While  endless  ages  waste  away. 

Amid  that  glorious  hand. 

My  soul  would  thither  tend, 

While  toilsome  years  are  given  ; 

Then  let  me,  gracious  God,  ascend 

To  sweet  repose  in  heathen. 

R.  Palmer. 

There  is  one  life,  —  to  look  forward  to  the  life  above.  There 
is  one  death,  —  sin  ;  for  it  is  that  which  destroys  the  soul.  — 
St.  Gregory. 

What  shall  I  do,  that  I  may  inherit  eternal  life  ? 

Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and 
with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy  mind ;  and  thou  shalt  love 
thy  neighbor  as  thyself. 

Verily  I  say  unto  you,  There  is  no  man  that  hath  left  house, 
or  parents,  or  brethren,  or  wife,  or  children,  for  the  kingdom 
of  God's  sake,  who  shall  not  receive  manifold  more  in  this 
present  time,  and  in  the  world  to  come  life  everlasting. 

Write,  read,  chant,  mourn,  keep  silence,  pray,  endure 
crosses  manfully :  life  everlasting  is  worth  all  these  conflicts, 
and  greater  than  these.  —  A  Kempis. 

These  things  have  I  written  unto  you  that  believe  on  the 
name  of  the  Son  of  God ;  that  ye  may  know  that  ye  have 
eternal  life,  and  that  ye  may  believe  on  the  name  of  the  Son 
of  God. 


132  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  he  that  believeth  on  me  hatb 
everlasting  life. 

Make  now  friends  to  thyself  by  honoring  the  saints  of  God, 
and  imitating  their  actions,  that  when  thou  failest  in  this  short 
life,  they  may  receive  thee  into  everlasting  habitations.  — 
A  Kempis. 

God  will  render  to  every  man  according  to  his  deeds :  to 
them  who,  by  patient  continuance  in  well-doing,  seek  for 
glory,  and  honor,  and  immortality,  eternal  life. 

Eternal  life,  which  God,  that  cannot  lie,  promised  before 
the  world  began. 

Morning. 

ETERNAL  and  ever-merciful  God,  our  heav- 
enly Father,  thou  art  the  father  of  light  and 
the  source  of  blessedness.  Day  unto  day  uttereth 
speech  of  thee.  Each  new  morning  calls  on  us  to 
praise  thee  and  give  thanks  for  thy  goodness.  We 
commit  ourselves  to  thee,  to  be  guided,  upheld,  and 
saved  by  thee  this  day.  Lead  us,  O  our  Father,  in 
thy  way,  though  it  be  a  way  we  have  not  known, 
and  we  will  rejoice  and  trust  in  thee,  assured  that 
no  evil  will  befall  us  while  thou  art  our  guardian 
and  guide.  Let  no  sin  have  dominion  over  us,  to 
bring  guilt  and  sorrow  into  our  hearts.  O  thou 
God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  we 
praise  thee  that  through  him  thou  hast  brought  life 
and  immortality  to  light,  and  hast  begotten  us  again 
by  his  resurrection  from  the  dead  to  an  inheritance 
iiKJorruptible,  undefiled,  and  that  fadeth  not  away. 


LIFE  EVERLASTING.  133 

May  we  have  that  unfeigned  faith  in  him  by  whirh 
we  shall  pass  from  death  unto  life.  He  is  our  way 
and  thy  truth ;  and  by  our  hearty  belief  that  thou 
didst  send  him  into  the  world,  may  he  become  the 
life  of  our  souls.  Suffer  us  not  to  hold  the  truth 
in  unrighteousness  ;  knowing  that  our  Lord,  who 
once  died  for  sin,  now  liveth  in  heaven,  may  we  die 
to  sin  that  we  may  live  to  him  and  to  thee.  By 
patient  continuance  in  well-doing  may  we  seek  for 
honor,  glory,  and  immortality,  and  finally  attain  to 
everlasting  life.  May  Christ  be  formed  in  us  the 
hope  of  glory.  May  our  affections  be  set  on  things 
above,  and  our  life  be  hid  with  Christ  in  God. 

We  rejoice,  O  God,  in  the  works  of  thy  hands. 
May  we  ever  see  thee  in  nature.  May  we  also 
know  thee  in  the  testimony  of  our  own  consciences, 
so  that  in  the  knowledge  of  thee,  and  of  Jesus, 
whom  thou  didst  send,  we  may  have   eternal  life. 

Help  us  by  thy  grace  this  day  to  honor  thee  in 
keeping  thy  commandments.  May  we  not  love 
thee  in  word  alone,  but  in  deed  and  in  truth,  and  so 
may  we  love  each  other  and  all  around  us,  seeking 
not  our  own,  but  each  the  other's  good.  Bless  and 
keep  our  friends.  Let  thy  favor  be  upon  our 
land,  and  thy  truth  come  to  all  nations.  Forgive 
us  our  sins,  and  help  us  to  forsake  them.  May  we 
also  forgive,  as  we  hope  to  be  forgiven.  And  unto 
Him  who  loved  us,  and  gave  himself  for  us,  and 
through  Him  to  thee,  be  glory,  honor,  and  dominion 
ascribed  now  and  evermore.     Amen. 


[34  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

,  Evening, 

OGOD,  Fountain  of  all  life,  we  thank  thee  for 
thy  good  gift  of  the  waters  of  life  through 
another  day.  We  bless  thee  that  we  live  and  move 
and  have  our  being  in  thee.  The  world  presses 
hard  upon  us,  and  we  might  faint  and  die  if  we 
were  alone ;  but  we  are  not  alone,  for  the  Father  is 
with  us.  Not  one  moment  in  all  our  life  is  passed 
without  thee  ;  thou  wilt  never  leave  us.  No  place 
is  without  thee  ;  thou  wilt  never  forsake  us.  Thou 
hast  made  us  for  life,  thou  hast  kept  us  in  life. 
When  our  last  night  in  this  world  shall  close  about 
us,  thy  love  will  fold  us  to  sleep,  and  when  we 
awake  in  the  life  to  come,  we  shall  be  still  with 
thee,  for  in  thy  love  we  shall  live  forever.  Our 
sun  shall  be  turned  into  darkness,  this  earth  shall 
pass  away  from  our  sight,  the  body  shall  return  to 
the  dust  as  it  was,  but  the  Sun  that  lights  the  sun 
shall  shine  forever.  The  hand  in  which  the  earth 
is  but  a  speck  of  dust  abides.  Thou  art  the  same ; 
thy  years  shall  not  fail ;  and  we  are  the  sons  of 
God.  Not  our  will,  but  thy  will  made  us  ;  not  our 
will,  but  thine,  has  kept  us  this  day.  O  God,  our 
Father,  help  us  to  a  deeper  trust  in  the  life  ever- 
lasting, from  the  lesson  of  this  one  day.  May  we 
feel  that  this  love  which  is  now  ever  shall  be ;  tliis 
robe  of  the  flesh  is  thy  gift  to  thy  child,  and  when 
it  is  worn  out   thou  wilt  clothe  him  again ;   this 


DWELL    THOU   WITH   US.  135 

work  of  life  Is  tlie  work  thou  hast  given  us  to  do, 
and  when  it  is  done  thou  wilt  give  us  more ;  this 
love,  that  makes  all  our  life  so  glad,  flows  out  of 
the  deep  fountain  of  God,  for  God  is  love,  and  we 
shall  love  forever.  O,  set  these  lessons  deep  in  our 
hearts ;  help  us  to  feel  how,  day  by  day,  we  see 
some  dim  shadow  of  the  eternal  day  that  will  break 
upon  us  at  the  last.  May  the  Gospel  of  thy  Son, 
the  whisper  of  thy  Spirit,  unite  to  make  our  faith  in 
the  life  to  come  solid  and  clear ;  then  shall  we  be 
glad  when  thou  shalt  call  us,  and  enter  into  thy 
glory  in  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


XXXIII. 
DWELL    THOU  WITH  US. 

0,  make  our  house  Thy  sanctuary  t 

Come  in  to  us,  a  friendly  guesty 
And  in  our  circle  ever  tarry  ; 

Then  shall  we  be  forever  blest^ 
And  thou,  an  inmate  of  these  walls^ 
Transfigure  them  to  royal  halls. 

Rev.  C.  T.  Brooks,  from  the  German, 

The  liost  High  dwelleth  not  in  temples  made  with  hands ; 
I  saith  the  prophet,  Heaven  is  my  throne,  and  earth  is  my 


136  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

footstool :  what  house  will  ye  build  me  ?  saith  the  Lord ;  or 
what  is  the  place  of  my  rest  ? 

Ye  are  the  temple  of  the  living  God ;  as  God  hath  said,  I 
will  dwell  in  them,  and  walk  in  them ;  and  I  will  be  their 
God,  and  they  shall  be  my  people. 

But  will  God,  in  very  deed,  dwell  with  men  upon  the  earth  ? 
Behold  heaven,  and  the  heaven  of  heavens  cannot  contain 
thee! 

Jesus  said,  If  a  man  love  me,  he  will  keep  my  words  :  and 
my  Father  will  love  him,  and  we  will  come  unto  him,  and 
make  our  abode  with  him. 

Narrow  is  the  mansion  of  my  soul :  enlarge  thou  it,  that  thou 
mayest  enter  in.  It  is  ruinous,  repair  thou  it ;  it  has  that 
within  which  must  offend  thine  eye  ;  but  who  shall  cleanse 
it  ?  or  to  whom  should  I  cry,  save  thee  ?  —  St.  Augustine. 

If  ye  love  me,  keep  my  commandments. 

And  I  will  pray  the  Father,  and  he  shall  give  you  another 
Comforter,  that  he  may  abide  with  you  forever. 

And  this  is  his  commandment :  that  we  should  believe  on 
the  name  of  his  Son  Jesus  Christ,  and  love  one  another. 

And  he  that  keepeth  his  commandments  dwelleth  in  him, 
and  he  in  him. 

And  hereby  we  know  that  he  abideth  in  us,  by  the  Spirit 
which  he  hath  given  us. 

Morning. 

OUR  Father  who  art  in   heaven,  and  who  art 
not  far  from  any  one  of  us,  thy  children  on 
earth,  when  we  awake  we  are  still  with  thee.     Help 


DWELL    THOU   WITH   US.  137 

us  draw  nigh  unto  thee  in  the  spirit,  that  we  may 
feel  how  near  thou  always  art  unto  us.  Teach  us 
that  the  heaven  where  thou  lovest  to  dwell  is  in  the 
heart  and  in  the  home  of  the  pure  and  the  lowly. 
Open  thou  our  eyes  that  we  may  see  this  place  to 
be  none  other  but  the  house  of  God,  and  its  lowly 
door  the  gate  of  heaven.  Open  our  hearts  by  the 
gentle  urgencies  of  thy  Spirit,  that  thy  Christ  and 
all  thy  holy  angels  may  come  in  and  abide  with 
us  as  welcome  guests.  Thou  who  hast  been  our 
dwelling-place  in  all  generations,  O  dwell  thou  with 
us  and  within  us  to-day. 

Once  more  the  light  of  the  visible  heaven,  which 
declares  thy  handiwork,  shines  in  through  the  win- 
dows of  our  earthly  tabernacle  to  guide  and  to 
gladden  our  daily  toil.  O,  let  the  light  of  thy  spir- 
itual presence,  as  imaged  in  the  face  of  Jesus 
Christ,  in  like  manner  shine  in  upon  our  souls  to 
quicken  our  affections  and  to  guide  our  thoughts  to 
thee.  May  this  new  morning  kindle  in  us  a  new 
desire  to  live  as  children  of  the  day.  May  we  walk 
and  work  as  seeing  Him  who  is  invisible.  May  we 
see  and  share  thy  endless  and  boundless  activity 
of  beneficence,  entering  into  the  joy  of  our  Lord. 
Let  thy  works  appear  unto  thy  servants,  and  thy 
glory  unto  their  children,  and  let  the  beauty  of  the 
Lord  our  God  be  upon  us.  Guide  us  this  day  and 
all  our  days  with  thy  counsel,  and  afterward  receive 
us  to  glory.     Amen. 


138  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

EVENING, 

GOD  of  the  evening,  while  its  shades  deepen 
around  us,  we  come  to  thee.  We  give  thee 
thanks  for  what  the  day  has  bestowed :  for  protec- 
tion, for  sustenance,  for  the  blessings  that  have 
crowned  us ;  yes,  even  for  the  trials  that  have  been 
sent  to  bring  us  nearer  to  thyself.  "  The  day  is 
thine,"  and  through  the  day  thou  hast  been  with 
us.  "  The  night  also  is  thine  "  ;  through  night  be 
near  us  still.  Be  near,  not  only  as  thou  art,  in 
thine  infinity,  present  everywhere,  but  as  thou  art 
with  thy  people,  looking  on  them  with  approval, 
and  granting  them  the  sweet  assurance  of  thy  love. 
Thou  hast  said  that  thy  dwelling  is  with  the  lowly 
and  with  him  of  contrite  heart ;  thus  in  lowliness 
and  penitence  for  sin,  enable  us  to  seek  thee  and  to 
find  thee  near. 

Abide  with  us,  O  Lord,  "  for  the  day  is  far 
spent."  Abide  to  defend  our  dwelling  from  out- 
ward evil,  and  to  guard  our  hearts  from  every 
unworthy  thought  and  feeling.  Be  thy  protection 
not  with  us  alone,  but  with  the  traveller  on  the 
land  or  on  the  deep,  the  soldier  in  his  tent,  the 
captive  in  his  cell.  Be  with  those  in  sorrow  and 
those  in  gladness,  with  those  in  the  ftdness  of 
strength  and  those  drawing  near  to  death.  As  thou 
sendest  to  the  wearied  children  of  men  thy  fresh- 
ening gift  of  sleep,  send  to  the  souls  of  all  spiritual 


A   SUSTAINING  HOPE.  139 

refreshment,  that  good  purposes  may  be  formed  or 
strengthened  anew,  for  patient  endurance  or  for 
active  duty. 

Abide  with  us,  for  the  day  of  Hfe  is  drawing  — 
how  nearly  we  know  not !  —  toward  its  close.  Be 
with  us,  ever  that  we  may  be  prepared ;  be  with  us 
when  that  close  shall  come ;  and  then  may  we  go 
to  our  final  rest  with  calmness,  even  as  now  to  our 
slumber,  knowing  that  thou  art  with  us  still. 
Grant  unto  us  thine  approving  presence,  not  in 
time  alone,  but  in  eternity ;  and,  awaking  in  the 
light  of  heaven,  may  we  be  ever  with  the  Lord. 
To  thee,  in  the  name  of  Him  who  is  one  with  thee, 
and  through  whom  we  have  access  to  thy  throne, 
be  praises  evermore.     Amen, 


XXXIV. 

J  SUSTAINING  HOPE, 

Hope  humbly,  then  ;  with  trembling  pinions  soar^ 
Wait  the  great  teacher,  Death,  and  God  adore  ; 
What  future  bliss,  he  gives  not  thee  to  know, 
But  gives  that  hope  to  be  thy  blessing  now. 

POPB. 

Happy  is  lie  that  hath  the  God  of  Jacob  for  his  help,  whose 
hope  is  in  the  Lord  his  God. 

Hope  is  like  the  wing  of  an  angel  soaring  up  to  heaven, 
and  bears  our  prayers  to  the  throne  of  God.  —  Taylor. 


140  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

The  hope  of  the  righteous  shall  be  gladness,  but  the  expec- 
tation of  the  wicked  shall  perish. 

Without  hope  it  is  unpossible  to  pray  ;  but  hope  makes  our 
prayers  reasonable,  passionate,  and  religious ;  for  it  relies  on 
Grod's  promise.  —  Taylor. 

It  is  good  that  a  man  should  both  hope  and  quietly  wait  for 
the  salvation  of  the  Lord. 

Hope  strengthens,  nourishes,  and  fortifies  all  the  virtues,  it 
Boftens  all  aiBictions,  it  weakens  all  temptations,  and  is  the 
fruitful  source  of  all  good  works.  —  St.  Chrysostom. 

Faith  is  the  substance  of  things  hoped  for ;  the  evidence  of 
things  not  seen. 

Faith,  if  it  be  true,  living,  and  justifying,  cannot  be  separated 
from  a  good  life ;  "  it  overcomes  the  world,"  it  "  works  right- 
eousness," and  makes  us  diligently  to  do,  and  cheerfully  to  suf- 
fer, whatsoever  God  hath  placed  in  our  way  to  heaven.  — 
Taylor. 

Why  art  thou  cast  down,  O  my  soul  ?  and  why  art  thou  dis- 
quieted within  me  ?  hope  in  Grod. 

The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  strong  confidence ;  and  his  children 
shall  have  a  place  of  refuge. 

Be  of  good  courage,  and  he  shall  strengthen  your  heart,  all 
that  hope  in  the  Lord. 

In  thee,  O  Lord,  do  I  hope. 

Which  hope  we  have  as  an  anchor  of  the  soul,  both  sure  and 
steadfast,  and  which  entereth  into  that  within  the  vail. 


O 


Morning. 

UR  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  thou  who  art 
our  Creator  and  daily  Preserver,  in  the  morn- 


A  SUSTAINING  HOPE.  141 

mg  will  we  direct  our  prayer  unto  thee,  and  will 
look  up.  We  thank  thee  for  the  repose  of  another 
night  and  for  the  light  of  this  day.  With  bodies 
refreshed  by  sleep,  and  with  minds  awakened  anew 
to  the  consciousness  of  existence,  we  come  to  thee 
who  art  e7er  watching  over  us,  that  we  may  be 
taught  by  thy  wisdom  and  strengthened  by  thy 
grace  in  the  duties  and  labors  before  us.  Our 
Heavenly  Father,  we  know  not  what  is  before  us  in 
this  day  upon  which  we  have  entered  ;  but  thou 
knowest,  and  we  feel  that  thou  hast  ordered  all 
things  for  us  in  mercy  and  in  wisdom.  Deepen  our 
faith,  we  beseech  thee,  in  thy  fatherly  care  and  in- 
terest. Enable  us  to  feel  that  thou  art  ordering  our 
ways,  and  that  thou  wilt  cause  all  things  to  work 
together  for  good  to  them  that  love  thee.  O  God, 
we  know  not  what  a  day  may  bring  forth,  or  when 
our  appointed  time  shall  come  ;  but  we  have  hope  in 
thee,  and  in  that  hope  would  we  abide  evermore. 
Sustained  Ify  it,  we  would  do  the  work  which  thou 
hast  given  us  to  do  in  this  world,  and  labor  on  unto 
the  end,  feeling  that  what  thou  hast  not  given  us  to 
know  here  we  shall  know  hereafter.  Thou  hast 
assured  us,  O  God,  that  if  we  are  the  obedient  dis- 
ciples of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  this  world,  thou 
wilt  receive  us  into  thy  bliss  in  the  world  to  come, 
and  give  unto  us  crowns  of  righteousness.  Having 
this  hope,  we  would  day  by  day  purify  ourselves, 
even  as  thou  art  pure,  and  with  diligence  and  pa- 


142  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

tience  seek  to  fulfil  the  great  end  and  aim  of  oui 
being. 

Our  Heavenly  Father,  without  help  from  thee 
we  are  nothing  and  can  do  nothing.  Except  the 
Lord  build  the  house,  they  labor  in  vain  that  build 
it.  We  trust  in  thy  word,  and  we  feel  assured 
that  thou  wilt  mercifully  regard  our  weaknesses 
and  infirmities,  and  wilt  graciously  do  for  us  what 
we  cannot  do  for  ourselves. 

Hear  us,  we  beseech  thee,  in  behalf  of  all  those 
for  whom  we  should  pray  when  we  come  before  the 
throne  of  thy  grace.  May  they  be  the  accepted 
disciples  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  dally  do  thy 
will.  And  unto  thee  shall  be  given  all  the  praise 
evermore.     Amen, 

EVENING. 

OTHOU  Infinite  and  Almighty  God,  trem- 
blingly, yet  gratefully,  we  bow  brfore  thee  in 
this  our  united,  humble  prayer.  What  are  we,  that 
we  should  thus  approach  the  Supreme  and  Eternal 
One?  And  yet,  how  real  the  promise  that  thou 
wilt  hear  and  welcome  all  that  come  to  thee ! 
Not  with  any  thought  of  our  own  worthiness  or 
desert,  but  with  lowly  trust  in  thy  tender  and 
abounding  love,  we  would  offer  our  praise,  while 
we  devoutly  rejoice  before  thee  in  confidence  and 
hope. 


A    SUSTAINING  HOPE.  I4?. 

Once  more  the  shades  of  night  have  fallen 
around  us,  and  the  solemn  uncertainty  of  all  life's 
blessings  is  forced  upon  our  thought.  The  dark- 
ness of  these  coming  hours  is  only  the  s^Tnbol  ot 
the  impenetrable  mystery  which  ever  encompassea 
our  path.  We  know  not  what  of  trial  or  of  bless- 
ing  may  be  in  store  in  that  vast  future  which  liea 
before  us.  But  we  thank  thee  that,  while  w^e  can- 
not penetrate  its  great  uncertainty,  we  yet  can  call 
it  ours  through  faith  and  hope,  and  that,  whatever 
of  doubt  or  trial  may  surround  us,  hope  gives  us 
bright  anticipations  of  joy  and  of  good.  Above  all, 
we  bless  thee  that  we  can  have  always  the  expecta- 
tion of  a  time  when  all  earthly  trials  shall  be  swal- 
lowed up  in  the  glad  realities  of  a  heavenly  state. 

And  now,  O  our  Father,  as  ^ve  commend  our- 
selves without  distrust  to  thy  keeping  during  the 
unconsciousness  of  sleep,  so  we  would  resign  all 
our  interests  and  cares  to  thee.  May  our  rest  be 
soothed  and  sweetened  by  the  thought  of  thy  ])res- 
ence  and  the  hopes  of  thy  divine  and  peculiar  care. 
And  unto  thee,  through  Jesus  Christ,  help  us  tj 
render,  now  and  evermore,  gratefiil  and  loving 
praise.     Amen. 


144  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

XXXV. 

CHRIST  WITHIN   US, 

In  vain  for  thee  hath  Christ  in  Bethlehem  been  born, 
If  he  *s  not  born  in  thee,  thy  soul  is  still  forlorn. 

AnGELUS   SiLEStUS. 

Jesus  said,  If  a  man  love  me,  he  will  keep  my  words;  and 
my  Father  will  love  him,  and  we  will  come  unto  him,  and 
make  our  abode  with  him. 

If  any  man  have  not  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  he  is  none  of  his. 

The  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  love,  joy,  peace,  long-suffering,  gen- 
tleness, goodness,  faith,  meekness,  temperance. 

Examine  yourselves,  whether  ye  be  in  the  faith ;  prove  your 
own  selves.  Know  ye  not  your  own  selves,  how  that  Jesus 
Christ  is  in  you,  except  ye  be  reprobates  ? 

I  bow  my  knees  unto  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

That  Christ  may  dwell  in  your  hearts  by  faith ;  that  ye, 
being  rooted  and  grounded  in  love,  that  ye  may  know  the  love 
of  Christ  that  passeth  knowledge,  that  ye  might  be  filled  with 
all  the  fuhiess  of  God. 

Behold,  I  stand  at  the  door  and  knock ;  if  any  man  hear 
my  voice,  and  open  the  door,  I  will  come  in  to  him,  and  sup 
with  him,  and  he  with  me. 

How  shall  we  escape,  if  we  neglect  so  great  salvation. 

As  ye  have,  therefore,  received  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord,  so 
walk  ye  in  him  : 

Rooted  and  built  up  in  him,  and  stablished  in  the  faith. 


CHRIST   WITHIN  CIS.  145 

Morning. 

DEAR  Father  in  heaven,  who  hast  sent  to 
us  thy  holy  child  Jesus  to  be  our  life,  grant 
that  to-day  he  may  be  life  in  our  souls.  May  his 
faith  in  thee  be  in  us  to-day,  so  that  as  he  saw  thee 
near  evermore,  we  may  see  thee  near  evermore. 
May  his  perfect  trust  in  thy  providential  care  be  in 
us  to-day,  that  we  may  feel  that  thou  hast  even 
numbered  every  hair  of  our  heads.  May  his  de- 
votion to  thy  will  be  in  our  souls,  that  we  also  may 
say,  "  Not  our  will,  but  thine,  be  done."  May  his 
hope  of  a  perfect  triumph  of  right  over  wrong, 
good  over  evil,  love  over  selfishness,  truth  over 
error,  be  also  in  our  souls  to-day ;  that  we  may  not 
fear  anything  which  seems  defeat  or  disaster,  con- 
fident that  all  things  will  work  together  for  final 
and  perfect  good.  So  may  his  Spirit  lead  our 
spirits,  his  thoughts  our  thoughts,  his  love  our  love, 
and  the  life  we  live  in  the  flesh  may  we  live  by 
faith  in  him,  which  we  ask  in  his  spirit  and  name. 
Amen. 

Evening. 

OUR  Heavenly  Father,  thou  knowest  better 
than  our  own  hearts  know,  whether  we  have 
employed  the  hours  of  this  day  to  the  great  end  for 
which  thou  gavest  them,  —  so  as  to  1^  drawn  nearer 
to  thee,  to  grow  more  spiritually-minded,  to  become 


146  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

more  like  Christ,  the  Son  of  thy  dear  love.  As  we 
resign  ourselves  once  more  into  the  tender  protec- 
tion of  thy  arms,  we  implore  thy  forgiveness  for 
every  wasted  opportunity,  every  misused  privilege, 
•which,  had  we  been  faithful,  would  have  brought  us 
closer  to  thee,  and  to  Christ  our  Lord. 

We  thank  thee  for  every  holy  thought,  every 
moment  of  communion  with  thee,  every  oppor- 
tunity of  faithful  and  Christian  service  which  we 
have  used  this  day.  Grant,  we  implore  thee,  that 
we  may  indeed  be  true  branches  in  Him  the  living 
Vine.  May  his  life  enter  into  our  lives,  his  Spirit 
be  infused  into  our  spirits,  and  we  be  hid  in  thee  by 
the  mysterious  union  of  believers  with  Him,  our 
Teacher,  Master,  Redeemer.  Open  our  hearts  to 
his  instructions  ;  touch  us  so  deeply  with  a  sense  of 
his  wonderful  love,  that  we  may  accept  his  word  as 
the  rule  of  our  lives,  and  be  led  by  his  gracious 
example  to  an  entire  and  confiding  trust  in  thee. 
Thou  persuadest  us  by  all  the  discipline  of  thy 
providence,  by  thy  voice  within  our  hearts,  by  the 
strong  attraction  of  the  life  of  Christ,  to  follow  him 
in  that  path  where  he  has  gone  before  us,  which 
leadeth  unto  thee.  O  strengthen  us  against  the 
doubts  and  fears,  the  temptations  which  we  put  in 
our  own  way,  and  those  which  the  world  of  pleas- 
ure and  absorbing  care  place  all  around  us,  —  that 
hinder  us  continually  from  following  him,  and  make 
us   deaf  to   his   call.     And   may  he  be  so  formed 


VAIN  AND  EVIL    THOUGHTS.  147 

within  us,  that  we  may  have  that  peace  which  pass- 
eth  all  understanding,  and  finally  may  attain  to  the 
rest  which  remaineth  for  thy  people.  We  ask  it  in 
His  name.     Amen, 


XXXVI. 

FJIN  AND  EVIL    THOUGHTS, 

Be  with  me,  Lord,  where'er  I  go  ; 
Teach  me  what  thou  wouldst  have  me  do  ; 
Suggest  whatever  I  think  or  say  ; 
Direct  me  in  thy  narrow  way. 

Christian  Psalmist. 

The  thought  of  foolishness  is  sin :  and  the  scomer  is  an 
abomination  to  men. 

Those  things  which  proceed  out  of  the  mouth  come  forth 
from  the  heart ;  and  they  defile  a  man.  For  out  of  the  heart 
proceed  evil  thoughts. 

When  a  good  man  is  afflicted,  tempted,  or  troubled  with 
evil  thoughts ;  then  he  understandeth  better  the  great  need 
he  hath  of  God,  without  whom  he  perceiveth  he  can  do  noth- 
ing that  is  good.  —  A  Kempis. 

For  the  word  of  God  is  quick  and  powerful,  and  sharper  than 
any  two-edged  sword,  piercing  even  to  the  dividing  asunder 
of  soul  and  spirit,  and  of  the  joints  and  marrow,  and  is  a  dis- 
cemer  of  the  thoughts  and  intents  of  the  heart. 


148  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

Repent,  therefore,  of  thy  wickedness,  and  pray  God,  if  pei> 
haps  the  thought  of  thine  heart  may  be  forgiven  thee. 

The  thoughts  of  the  wicked  are  an  abomination  to  the  Lord, 
b  it  the  words  of  the  pure  are  pleasant  words. 

Charity  siiffereth  long,  and  is  kind ;  is  not  easily  provoked, 
tLinketh  no  evil ; 

Rejoiceth  not  in  iniquity,  but  rejoiceth  in  the  truth. 

ThinLi  of  good,  that  you  may  avoid  thinking  of  evil.  The 
mind  of  man  cannot  for  one  moment  remain  in  a  state  of  in- 
activity. —  St.  Ephraim. 

If  thou  hast  thought  evil,  lay  thine  hand  upon  thy  mouth. 

Practise  to  make  God  thy  last  thought  at  night  when  thou 
eleepest;  and  thy  first  thought  in  the  morning  when  thou 
awakest ;  so  shall  thy  fancy  be  sanctified  in  the  night,  and  thy 
understanding  be  rectified  in  the  day,  so  shall  thy  rest  be 
peaceful  and  thy  labors  prosperous.  —  Quarks. 

Morning. 

EVER-LIVING  God,  whose  existence  is  the 
perpetual  spring  of  our  being,  and  whose 
loving-kindness  is  the  inspiration  of  our  daily  joys : 
Wilt  thou  impress  our  minds  with  gratitude  while 
we  remember  thy  mercies,  and  turn  our  voices  to 
praise  while  we  call  upon  thy  name  ?  By  the  ten- 
der and  wise  ordering  of  thy  providence,  the  night 
has  brought  us  tlie  delightful  refreshment  of  sleep, 
amid  social  security  and  domestic  peace ;  and  the 
welcome  radiance  of  the  mornincr  calls  u?  to  new 


VAIN  AJ"  D  EVIL   THOUGHTS.  149 

activity,  to  fresli  experiences,  to  a  deeper  acquaint- 
ance with  life,  and  to  ever-augmenting  respon- 
sibilities. 

May  our  hearts  be  susceptible  to  every  influence 
that  testifies  to  thy  holy  presence  in  the  beauty  of 
the  world  thy  hands  have  fashioned,  —  in  the  genial 
ministries  of  domestic  love  and  noble  friendships,  — 
in  the  silent  witness  of  a  good  conscience  to  the 
pure  thoughts  and  good  deeds  that  have  blessed 
mankind,  —  and  in  every  spiritual  emotion  and  as- 
piration that  may  ennoble  us,  by  lifting  us  into  a 
higher  realm  of  life. 

O  Lord,  our  Preserver,  in  guarding  our  bodies 
from  danger  through  the  day  that  lies  before  us, 
withdraw  our  eyes  from  beholding  vanity,  and  ex- 
clude from  our  minds  all  gross  and  presumptuous 
thoughts.  May  the  words  which  our  tongues  may 
utter,  and  the  meditations  which  our  hearts  may 
entertain,  be  acceptable  in  thy  sight,  and  worthy 
the  bodies  and  spirits  which  thou  hast  deigned  to 
call  thy  temple.  Here,  O  God,  enthrone  thy  Holy 
Spirit,  that  all  our  purposes  and  desires  may  be 
subjected  to  thee;  that  all  our  duties  may  be  el- 
evated into  privileges ;  that  our  pleasures  may  be 
exalted  into  praises ;  that  our  forgiven  sins  may 
bear  the  fruit  of  humility  and  grateftil  love ;  and 
that  the  trials  of  a  mortal  day,  borne  to  thee  on  the 
wings  of  prayer,  may  return  to  us  in  everlasting 
benedictions.  We  ask  it  through  the  grace  and 
truth  of  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


150  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 


Evening. 


AT  the  close  of  another  day,  we  meet,  O  Fa» 
ther,  to  offer  unto  thee  our  evening  tribute 
of  thanksgiving,  to  ask  protection  through  another 
night,  -and  to  seek  our  rest  in  peaceful  communion 
with  thee.  It  is  from  thee  that  all  our  gifts  and 
blessings  proceed.  Thy  loving-kindness  hath  en- 
compassed all  our  paths,  and  thy  presence  of  mercy 
hath  guarded  all  our  sleeping  and  our  waking  hours. 
We  rest  this  night  in  the  confidence  that  thou  art 
our  safeguard  and  our  shield. 

We  thank  thee,  Father,  for  the  blessings  which 
this  day  and  all  our  days  have  brought  to  us.  We 
thank  thee  for  the  power  of  mind  and  soul  which 
thou  hast  bestowed  upon  us.  We  thank  thee  that 
thou  hast  taught  us  to  think  wisely,  and  to  feel  in 
love  and  at  peace  with  thee  and  with  one  another. 
We  pray  thee  that  all  wrong  desires  and  evil 
thoughts  may  be  banished  from  our  souls  and 
minds  by  the  sweet  and  purifying  influence  of  thy 
presence. 

Thou,  0  Father,  knowest  all  the  secrets  of  our 
hearts.  Before  thee  our  whole  being  lies  open. 
There  is  not  a  word  in  our  mouth,  there  is  not  a 
thought  in  our  mind,  but  lo!  thou  knowest  it  al- 
together. Thou  understandest  our  thoughts  afar 
off.  Search  us,  we  beseech  thee,  and  know  our 
hearts ;    try  us,  and   know  our  thoughts.     See  if 


VAIN  AND  EVIL   THOUGHTS.  151 

there  be  any  wicked  way  in  us,  and  lead  us  in  the 
way  everlasting.  May  the  words  of  our  lips  and 
the  meditations  of  our  hearts  be  acceptable  in  thy 
sight,  O  Father,  our  Redeemer  and  our  Strength. 
May  the  wisdom  which  is  from  above,  in  its  purity 
and  its  peace,  be  our  perpetual  guide.  May  we  be 
made  wise  even  unto  salvation.  May  all  vanity, 
all  malice,  all  uncharitableness,  all  evil-speaking,  be 
put  far  away  from  us,  and  may  we  dwell  with 
thee  and  with  one  another  in  trust  and  grace  and 
love.  Thus  guide  us  through  the  whole  day  of  our 
life,  and  when  the  night  of  death  shall  close  around 
us,  may  we  lie  down  to  sleep  amid  its  shadows,  in 
the  hope  of  awakening  in  the  light  of  an  eternal 
day  with  thee.  Bless  us.  Father,  and  all  who  are 
dear  to  us  ;  in  thine  infinite  mercy  keep,  strengthen, 
and  guard  us,  now  and  evermore,  through  Jesua 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


152  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

XXXTII. 

TRUE   WISDOM, 

Be  it  my  only  wisdom  herej 

To  serve  the  Lord  with  flial  fear 

With  loving  gratitude  ; 

Superior  sense  may  I  display^ 

By  shunning  every  evil  way^ 

And  walking  in  the  good. 

Wesley's  Col. 

If  any  lack  of  wisdom,  let  him  ask  of  God,  that  giveth  to  all 
men  liberally,  and  upbraideth  not ;  and  it  shall  be  given  him. 

But  let  him  ask  in  faith,  nothing  wavering. 

Happy  is  the  man  that  findeth  wisdom,  and  the  man  that 
getteth  understanding. 

For  the  merchandise  of  it  is  better  than  the  merchandise  of 
silver,  and  the  gain  thereof  than  fine  gold. 

Take  fast  hold  of  instruction  ;  let  her  not  go ;  keep  her ;  for 
she  is  thy  life. 

Above  all,  the  knowledge  of  what  is  good  and  what  is  evil, 
what  ought  to  be  done,  and  what  ought  not  to  be  done  in  the 
several  offices  and  relations  of  life,  is  a  thing  too  large  to  be 
compassed,  and  too  hard  to  be  mastered,  without  study  and 
contemplation.  —  Dr.  South. 

The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning  of  wisdom :  and  the 
knowledge  of  the  holy  is  understanding. 

Many  get  no  profit  of  their  labor,  because  they  contend  for 


TRUE    WISDOM.  153 

knowledge  rather  than  for  a  holy  life ;  and  the  time  shall 
come  when  it  shall  more  avail  thee  to  have  subdued  one  lust 
than  to  have  known  all  mysteries.  —  Taylor. 

Beware  lest  any  man  spoil  you  through  philosophy  and  vain 
deceit,  after  the  traditions  of  men,  after  the  rudiments  of  the 
world,  and  not  after  Christ. 

Who  is  a  wise  man  and  endued  with  knowledge  among  you  ? 
let  him  show  out  of  a  good  conversation  his  words  with  meek- 
ness of  wisdom. 

The  wisdom  that  is  from  above  is  first  pure,  then  peaceable, 
gentle,  and  easy  to  be  entreated,  full  of  mercy  and  good  fruits, 
without  partiality  and  without  hypocrisy. 

Discover  to  me,  O  thou  Searcher  of  hearts,  whatever  is 
amiss  in  me,  whether  in  life  or  principle.  —  Wilson. 

That  which  I  see  not,  teach  Thou  me  ;  if  I  have  done  in- 
iquity, I  will  do  so  no  more. 

Morning. 

WE  thank  thee,  O  most  merciful  God,  that 
thou  hast  watched  over  us,  in  our  helpless- 
ness, during  the  night,  and  brought  us  in  safety  to 
the  beginning  of  another  day.  With  our  renewed 
powers  we  would  offer  new  praises  to  thee.  Let 
our  first  thoughts  be  of  thy  loving-kindness  and 
tender  mercy.  Let  our  first  acts  be  those  of  hom- 
age, thanksgiving,  and  prayer  to  Him  who  gave  us 
being,  whose  goodness  never  faileth,  and  whose 
glory  is  above  the  heavens. 

Look  down  upon  us,  we  beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  in 

7* 


164  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

thy  great  compassion,  as  we  are  entering  upon  an 
untried  day.  Let  thy  blessing  follow  us  as  we  go 
forth  to  the  duties  which  lie  before  us,  —  to  the 
enjoyments  or  the  trials  which  thy  providence  may 
have  in  store  for  us.  If  it  be  thy  will,  may  we 
walk  unharmed  through  all  the  dangers  and  dis- 
eases which  beset  our  path.  May  we  pursue  our 
works  with  safety  and  success.  May  we  give  and 
receive  happiness  in  our  friendly  intercourse,  and 
pass  our  time  in  rest  and  quietness  of  mind.  But, 
O  God,  grant  us  above  all,  and  help  us  to  desire 
before  all  things,  thy  best,  even  thy  spiritual  gifts. 
Give  us  true  and  heavenly  wisdom,  —  that  wisdom 
which  is  "  first  pure,  then  peaceable,  gentle,  easy  to 
be  entreated,  full  of  mercy  and  good  fruits."  The 
wisdom  which  guides  the  soul  in  the  way  of  thy 
commandments ;  which  guards  the  heart  from  the 
allurements  of  sin  ;  which  teaches  humility,  con- 
tentment, and  gratitude ;  which  finds  the  true  en- 
joyment of  prosperity  and  the  sweet  uses  of  adver- 
sity ;  which,  beginning  with  reverence  for  God, 
ends  in  love  both  to  God  and  man. 

Be  this,  O  Father  of  lights,  thy  precious  gift  to 
us.  Be  this  the  great  object  of  our  desire  and  pur- 
suit to-day.  Keep  our  too  inconstant  minds  from 
being  drawn  aside  from  following  after  it.  Forgive 
as  that  we  have  been,  hitherto,  so  backward  and 
wavering  in  our  endeavors  to  acquire  it.  Upbraid 
as  not   because  we  have  so  little  of  it.     But,  O 


TRUE    WISDOM.  155 

Lord,  for  the  sake  of  our  need  and  of  thine  own 
infinite  mercy,  vouchsafe,  from  thy  fulness,  to  be- 
stow it  upon  us  in  answer  to  our  prayer ;  which  we 
humbly  present  unto  thee,  with  our  thanksgivings 
and  praises,  in  the  name  of  thy  dear  Son,  Jesus 
Christ  our  Saviour.     Amen. 

Evening. 

OUR  Father  in  heaven,  the  day  is  thine,  and 
the  night  also  is  thine.  Around  the  weary 
world  again  thou  hast  drawn  the  curtains  of  dark- 
ness. How  gracious  and  constant,  and  yet  how 
still,  the  mighty  working  of  thy  providence !  Fed 
by  thy  bounty,  borne  in  thine  arms,  cherished  by 
thy  spirit,  what  more  do  we  need,  what  more  could 
we  ask? 

If  to-day  thou  hast  seen  any  virtue  in  us,  any 
love  of  truth  and  wilHngness  to  work  or  to  suffer 
for  it ;  any  fidehty  in  duty,  any  devotedness  to 
thee ;  O  receive  our  fervent  thanksgiving  for  the 
means  and  opportunity  of  doing  well.  And  what- 
ever thou  hast  seen  in  us  to-day  unworthy  and  sin- 
ful, O  in  thy  mercy  regard  it ;  and  may  we  awake 
to  see  as  thou  seest,  and  judge  ourselves  as  thou 
judgest  us.  We  ask  not  so  much  to  be  freed  from 
remorse  as  from  the  sin  that  produces  it ;  not  so 
much  to  be  overshadowed  with  peace,  as  to  be 
quickened  to  righteousness,  which,  in  the  end,  is 


156  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

full  of  peace.  That  peace  of  God  that  passeth  all 
understanding,  —  that  peace  of  the  Saviour,  which 
the  world  can  neither  give  nor  take  away,  —  O 
Father,  lead  us  unto  the  way  of  such  peace ; 
quicken  us  by  thy  Spirit,  and  lead  us  to  the  feet 
of  Christ,  that  we  may  learn  of  him  to  live  into  thy 
peaceful,  heavenly  kingdom. 

Father  of  boundless  goodness,  let  thy  blessing 
rest  upon  all  who  are  dear  to  us.  O  give  them 
wisdom  and  strength.  We  pray  for  ourselves  and 
for  all.  Forgive  us  our  trespasses  as  we  forgive 
those  who  trespass  against  us,  and  lead  us  not  into 
temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil. 

O,  ever-watchful  Guardian,  as  the  night  now 
invites  us  to  sleep  and  rest,  may  we  commit  our- 
selves to  thee,  penitent  and  grateful ;  and  may  to- 
morrow find  us  nearer  to  thee  than  ever  before  in 
faith  and  duty.  O  hear  us  as  thy  children,  and  as 
disciples  of  thy  Son.  For  thine  is  the  kingdom, 
and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever  and  ever. 
Arnen, 


THOU,   GOD,  SEEST   US.  167 


XXXVIII. 
THOU,    GOD,   SEEST  US. 

Thine  all-surrounding  sight  surveys 

My  rising  and  my  rest ; 
My  public  walks,  my  private  ways, 

And  secrets  of  my  breast. 

So  let  thy  grace  surround  me  still, 

And  like  a  bulwark  prove. 
To  guard  my  soul  from  every  ill. 

Secured  by  sovereign  love. 

Watts. 

Woo  unto  them  that  seek  deep  to  hide  their  counsel  from 
the  Lord,  and  their  works  are  in  the  dark,  and  they  say, 
Who  seeth  us  ?  and  who  knoweth  us  ? 

Can  any  hide  himself  in  secret  places,  that  I  shall  not 
see  him?  saith  the  Lord.  Do  I  not  fill  heaven  and  earth? 
saith  the  Lord. 

The  ways  of  a  man  are  before  the  eyes  of  the  Lord,  and  he 
pondereth  all  his  goings. 

Thou  hast  set  our  iniquities  before  thee ;  our  secret  sins  in 
the  light  of  thy  countenance. 

The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  in  every  place,  beholding  the 
evil  and  the  good. 

O  Lord,  thou  hast  searched  me  and  known  me. 

Thou  knowest  my  down-sitting  and  mine  up-rising,  thou 
understandest  my  thought  afar  off. 


158  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

Thou  compassest  my  path  and  my  lying  down,  and  art 
acquainted  with  all  my  ways. 

Whither  shall  I  go  from  thy  Spirit  ?  or  whither  shall  I  flee 
from  thy  presence  ? 

The  eyes  of  the  Lord  run  to  and  fro  throughout  the  whole 
earth,  to  show  himself  strong  in  the  behalf  of  them  whose 
heart  is  perfect  towards  him. 

There  is  no  darkness  nor  shadow  of  death  where  the  work- 
ers of  iniquity  may  hide  themselves. 

Therefore  he  knoweth  their  works,  and  he  overtumeth 
them,  so  that  they  are  destroyed. 

Morning. 

OGOD,  we  are  still  with  thee,  and  we  would  be 
still  praising  thee.  We  cannot  escape  thy 
presence,  and  we  would  not  escape  it,  but  rejoice 
and  be  glad  in  it.  Purify  our  hearts  of  every  sinful 
passion  and  desire,  that  we  may  be  joyful  in  thee, 
that  thy  presence  may  fill  us  with  holy  reverence 
and  happy,  childlike  trust.  Help  us  to  live  to-day 
as  beneath  thine  eye,  conscious  that  what  we  do  or 
what  we  think  is  alike  known  to  thee.  Thus  may 
our  life  be  mingled  of  fear  and  love,  making  us  to 
walk  carefully  before  thee,  yet  with  confidence  and 
peace. 

We  pray  for  all  those  who  are  dear  to  us  by  ties 
of  kindred  and  affection.  Let  thy  blessed  prov- 
idence and  love  pursue  and  keep  them.     If  they 


THOU,   GOD,  SEEST   US.  159 

are  in  any  trouble,  grant  them  relief  and  abundant 
freedom  in  thee.  Pour  out  thy  Spirit  upon  all 
men ;  pity  and  convert  the  sinful  and  wicked ;  be 
merciful  and  full  of  compassion  to  the  unfortunate ; 
and  lead  all  men  to  know  thee,  the  only  true  God, 
and  Jesus  Christ,  whom  thou  hast  sent.  And  may 
thy  will  be  done  on  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven.    Amen, 

Evening. 

OGOD,  we  come  to  thee,  who  encompassest  all 
our  ways.  As  the  shadows  of  evening  close 
around  us,  thine  eye  beholds  us  still.  Even  the 
night  is  light  about  us.  The  darkness  and  the  light 
are  both  alike  to  thee.  With  reverence  and  awe 
we  remember  that  thou  lookest  through  every  veil 
which  conceals  the  secrets  of  our  hearts  from  the 
world  or  from  ourselves,  and  knowest  every  thought 
of  passion  or  of  sin.  Thou  seest  the  hidden  stains 
which  have  not  been  revealed  to  us.  O  Thou,  in 
whose  sight  the  heavens  are  not  clean,  how  unut- 
terably impure  must  our  weak,  stra}'ing,  selfish 
hearts  appear  to  thee !  Look  upon  us  in  thy  in- 
finite pity,  as  well  as  in  thy  infinite  purity.  We 
rejoice  to  know  that  thou  not  only  seest  every 
thought  of  sin,  but  also  every  thought  of  purity. 
Every  secret  struggle  against  temptation  is  open  to 
thine  eye ;  every  silent  prayer  is  heard  before  thy 
throne ;  and  thou  wilt  hasten  to  send  thy  assisting 


160  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

angels  to  strengthen  these  faint  aspirations  for  hght 
and  life,  and  to  kindle  every  spark  of  holier  feeling 
into  a  constant  flame  of  love. 

All-merciful  Father,  amidst  our  confessions  of 
weakness,  we  give  thanks  that  we  are  beneath  thine 
all-seeing  eye.  Thou  canst  discern  our  spirits'  in- 
most need.  Thou  wilt  rebuke  every  frailty,  and 
humble  every  thought  of  pride,  and  break  down 
every  impenitent  desire,  and  never  leave  nor  for- 
sake thy  often-straying  child.  .  Make  these  thoughts 
our  hope  and  trust.  Give  us  the  lowly  confidence 
which  desires  to  lay  open  every  secret  weakness  to 
thee.  Grant  the  love  which  casts  out  fear.  Help 
us,  in  the  spirit  of  our  Master  and  Lord,  always  to 
realize  thy  immediate  and  guardian  presence,  as  our 
perpetual  inspiration  and  sure  defence.  Then  shall 
we  begin  to  see  thee  as  thou  seest  us,  and  find  the 
light  of  thy  countenance  cheering  every  path  of 
life,  and  illuminating  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of 
death.  Help  us  thus  to  see  thee  in  that  infinite 
mercy  revealed  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen, 


AGAINST  PRIDE.  161 

XXXIX. 

JGJINST  PRIDE, 

Wherefore  should  man^  frail  child  ofclay^ 

Who,  from  his  cradle  to  the  shroud. 
Lives  hut  the  insect  of  a  day,  — • 

0  why  should  mortal  man  he  proud  f 

By  douht  perplexed,  in  error  lost. 

With  trembling  step  he  seeks  his  way : 

How  vain  ofvnsdom*s  gift  the  hoast! 

Of  reason's  lamp,  how  faint  the  ray  ! 

Enfield. 

Pride  goeth  before  destruction,  and  an  haughty  spirit  before 
A  fall. 

The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  instruction  of  wisdom;  and 
before  honor  is  humility. 

Thus  saith  the  high  and  lofty  One  that  inhabiteth  eternity, 
whose  name  is  Holy :  I  dwell  in  the  high  and  holy  place, 
with  him  also  that  is  of  a  contrite  and  humble  spirit. 

Humility  is  truth,  and  Pride  a  lie :  the  one  glorifies  God, 
the  other  dishonors  him.  Humility  makes  men  to  be  like 
angels,  Pride  makes  angels  to  become  devils.  —  Taylor. 

Pride  is  folly.  Humility  is  the  temper  of  a  holy  spirit  and 
excellent  wisdom.  Humility  is  the  way  to  glory,  Pride  to 
ruin  and  confusion,  —  Taylor. 

God  resisteth  the  proud,  but  giveth  grace  to  the  humble. 

If  a  man  thinketh  himself  to  be  something,  when  he  is 
nothing,  he  deceiveth  himself. 


162  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

But  let  every  man  prove  his  own  work,  and  then  shall  he 
have  rejoicing  in  himself  alone,  and  not  in  another. 

Whosoever  shall  exalt  himself  shall  be  abased ;  and  he  that 
shall  humble  himself,  shall  be  exalted. 

A  man's  pride  shall  bring  him  low  ;  but  honor  shall  uphold 
the  humble  in  spirit. 

Let  us  never  forget  that  the  day  will  come  when  all  our 
virtues  will  be  tried  as  by  fire,  and  that  this  fire  humility 
alone  will  be  able  to  withstand.  —  St.  Ephraim. 


Morning. 

ALMIGHTY  God,  who  art  exalted  above  all 
height,  look  down,  we  beseech  thee,  in  tender 
compassion,  upon  us,  thy  weak  and  erring  and  sin- 
ning children,  while  in  prostration  of  spirit  we  bow 
down  before  thee,  and  offer  unto  thee  our  morning 
sacrifice.  We  acknowledge  our  dependence ;  we 
confess  our  sins ;  we  ask  thy  forgiveness  and  thy 
succor.  Help  us,  O  God,  to  feel  our  weakness  and 
our  unworthiness.  Help  us  to  know  ourselves,  how 
ignorant  and  frail  and  sinful  we  are ;  how  oft  we 
have  offended,  how  far  short  we  have  come  of  our 
dut}'-  and  of  thy  just  requirements.  O  help  us  to 
suppress  all  presumptuous  thoughts,  all  vanity  and 
pride,  all  self-seeking  and  all  undue  self-reliance; 
and  let  us  learn  the  hard  lesson  of  self-renunciation, 
80  that,  whatever  good  thing  we  may  do,  whatever 
attainments  we  make,  we  may  be  ever  ready  to  say, 


AGAINST  PRIDE.  163 

*'  Not  unto  us,  O  Lord,  not  unto  us,  but  unto  thy 
name,  be  all  the  glory  and  all  the  praise. 

Great  and  manifold  have  been  thy  acts  of  loving- 
kindness  towards  us.  O,  how  poor  and  imperfect 
have  been  the  returns  we  have  made !  Help 
us,  our  Heavenly  Father,  to  renounce  all  spirit- 
ual pride,  and  may  we  be  clothed  with  humility. 
Create  within  us  a  new  heart,  —  a  heart  that  as- 
pires to  thee,  and  that  finds  its  peace  in  thee. 
Renew  within  us  a  right  spirit,  —  that  spirit  of  filial 
love  which  shall  draw  us  to  thee,  and  make  obe- 
dience a  willing  service. 

Help  us  to  cultivate  that  lowliness  of  mind  that 
shall  exclude  all  arrogance  and  bo^gting,  and  shall 
lead  us  to  render  to  every  man  his  due.  Let  us 
not  look  with  envy  upon  those  above,  nor  with  con- 
tempt upon  those  below  us,  but  honor  all  men  as 
thy  children  and  our  brothers ;  and,  forgetting  the 
things  that  are  behind,  and  reaching  forth  to  those 
things  that  are  before,  may  we  press  toward  the 
mark,  and  reach  the  prize  of  our  high  calling  in 
Christ  Jesus  our  Lord.     Amen, 


EVENING. 

ALMIGHTY  God,  who  hast  given  the  day  for 
labor,  the  evening  for  meditation,  and  the 
night  for  repose,  we  would  glorify  thee  for  all  thy 
gifts,  and  remember  in  praise  the  divine  care  that 


164  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

always  remembers  us  in  mercy.  For  all  the  op- 
portunities of  the  past  day,  we  desire  to  thank  thee . 
If  we  have  improved  them  by  honesty  and  diH- 
gence,  we  seek  our  highest  reward  in  thy  approba- 
tion, confirmed  by  a  quiet  conscience.  If  we  have 
been  negligent  or  unfaithful,  we  would  not  avert 
the  condemnation  of  thy  just  law  ;  but  would  see 
in  the  cloud  of  thy  judgment  the  admonition  of  a 
righteous  wisdom,  and  strive  again,  with  returning 
day,  for  the  prize  of  our  high  calling  in  Jesus 
Christ. 

For  all  the  advantages  we  possess,  and  for  all 
the  pure  pleasures  we  enjoy,  as  individuals  and  as 
a  Christian  hoi^ehold,  may  we  remember  the  Per- 
fect and  Liberal  Giver.  Yet  forbid,  O  God,  that 
we  should  esteem  ourselves  more  highly  than  we 
ought,  or  foster  a  presumptuous  and  arrogant  spirit. 
We  have  nothing  but  what  thy  favor  and  love 
have  bestowed,  —  no  grace  or  charm  of  person,  no 
power  of  mind  or  eminence  of  station,  but  what 
thou  hast  lent  us,  to  subserve  thy  holy  purpose. 
Nor  have  we  anything  of  which  thy  just  judg- 
ments may  not  deprive  us,  if  our  spiritual  good 
require  that  our  hearts  be  humbled  and  our  for- 
tune abased.  Temper  us,  then,  with  a  becoming 
humility  of  spirit,  and  may  we  never  abuse  the  fa- 
vors with  which  thy  lavish  kindness  crowns  our 
days. 

And  now,  O  Father,  through  the  solemnity  of 


DILIGENT  IN  BUSINESS.  1(J5 

this  night,  let  thy  good  providence  guard  cur  re- 
pose, and  thy  Holy  Spirit  distil  into  our  weary 
minds  the  balm  of  heavenly  peace.  And,  while 
the  heavens  that  bend  over  us  reveal  thy  glory, 
may  we  close  our  eyes  in  conscious  security,  feel- 
ing that  we  are  always  with  thee,  —  the  greatest  and 
best  of  Beings,  —  and  that  all  the  families  of  the 
earth  may  put  their  trust  under  the  shelter  of  thy 
love.     Amen. 


XL. 


DILIGENT  IN  BUSINESS. 

The  works  my  calling  doth  propose^ 

Let  me  not  idly  shun  : 
For  he  whom  idleness  undoes, 

Is  more  than  tivice  undone  ! 
If  my  estate  enlarge,  I  may 

Enlarge  my  love  to  thee  ; 
And  though  I  more  and  more  decay, 

Yet  let  me  thankful  be. 

Wither. 

Walk  worthy  of  the  vocation  wherewith  ye  are  called. 

Seest  thou  a  man  diligent  in  his  business  ?  he  shall  stand 
before  kings. 

Study  to  be  quiet,  and  to  do  your  own  business,  and  to 
work  with  your  own  hands, 


lfj()  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

That  ye  may  walk  honestly  toward  them  that  are  without, 
and  that  ye  may  have  lack  of  nothing. 

It  is  good  and  comely  for  one  to  eat  and  to  drink,  and  to 
enjoy  the  good  of  all  his  labor  that  he  taketh  under  the  sun 
all  the  days  of  his  life,  which  God  giveth  him ;  for  it  is  Lis 
portion. 

When  we  were  with  you,  this  we  commanded  you,  that 
if  any  would  not  work,  neither  should  he  eat. 

He  becometh  poor  that  dealeth  with  a  slack  hand ;  but  the 
hand  of  the  diligent  maketh  rich. 

He  that  gathereth  in  summer  is  a  wise  son;  but  he  that 
sleepeth  in  harvest  is  a  son  that  causeth  shame. 

He  that  is  slothful  in  his  work  is  brother  to  him  that  is  a 
great  waster. 

Slothfulness  casteth  into  a  deep  sleep ;  and  an  idle  soul 
shall  suffer  hunger. 

From  the  beginning  God  has  made  it  a  law  to  man  to 
labor;  not  as  a  punishment  and  trouble,  but  as  an. exercise 
and  instruction.  —  St.  Chrysostom. 

Poverty  and  labor  make  more  saints  than  wealth  and  idle- 
ness. —  St.  Chrysostom. 

Go  to  the  ant,  consider  her  ways  and  be  wise : 

Which,  having  no  guide,  overseer,  or  ruler,  provideth  her 
meat  in  the  summer  and  gathereth  her  food  in  the  harvest. 


W 


Morning. 

E  thank   thee,  O    God,   for  the   return   of 
light.     Renewed  by  sleep  and  rest,  we  lind 


DILIGENT  IN  BUSINESS.  167 

ourselves  surrounded  by  thy  care  and  love.  With 
uplifted  hearts  would  we  accept  the  great  gifts 
which  come  to  us  in  a  day  of  life,  —  gifts  of 
bounty,  and  thought,  and  love,  and  home,  —  gifts 
of  faith  and  hope. 

Give  us  wisdom,  we  beseech  thee,  for  the  work 
before  us  to-day.  May  we  give  it  dignity  and 
sacredness  by  the  spirit  in  which  we  do  it.  Now  is 
the  accepted  time,  now  the  day  of  our  salvation. 
To-day  it  is  given  us  to  come  nearer  to  thee  and 
the  blessed  immortality,  and  the  business  that  waits 
for  us  should  be  our  preparation  and  discipline.  O 
keep  us  from  wrong-doing ;  may  we  engage  in  no 
enterprise  upon  which  thy  blessing  may  not  rest. 
Aid  us  to  deal  justly,  to  love  mercy,  and  to  walk 
humbly  before  thee.  May  the  words  of  thy  Son  be 
our  rule,  —  to  do  to  others  as  we  would  have  them 
do  to  us.  O  may  the  Spirit  of  Christ  be  in  us, 
that  like  him  we  may  be  meek  if  injured,  patient 
if  tried,  courageous  if  in  the  face  of  dangers,  and 
waiting  upon   thy  will  at  all  times. 

May  thy  blessing  rest  on  all  those  who  go  forth, 
hi  these  morning  hours,  into  the  various  paths  of 
business.  May  they  carry  religion  into  all  their 
work,  —  fellow-laborers  with  thee,  may  they  recog- 
nize thy  mighty  agencies  in  earth,  and  air,  and 
water,  as  helpers  in  their  work.  May  we  all  con- 
sider that  our  strength,  thought,  ingenuity,  are  thy 
gifts,  and  whatever  we  do,  may  it  be  done  for  the 


168  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

welfare  of  Immanity,  and  for  thy  glory.  May  thy 
kingdom  come,  and  thy  will  be  done  on  earth  as  it 
is  in  heaven. 

Hear  us,  O  Heavenly  Father,  in  our  morning 
prayer,  hear  us  as  disciples  of  thy  Son,  and  thine 
be  the  praise,  world  without  end.     Arrmi. 

EVENING. 

OTHOU  infinite  and  holy  God,  we  devoutly 
thank  thee  for  that  providence  which  has 
guided  and  kept  us  through  another  day.  May  we 
remember  thy  mercies  with  gratitude,  and  strive  to 
keep  thy  most  holy  law.  As  darkness  falls  on  the 
earth,  and  we  lay  ourselves  down  to  sleep,  wilt  thou 
keep  us  in  safety.  What  we  have  done  this  day 
which  meets  with  thine  approval,  wilt  thou  bless. 
Forgive  us  wherein  we  have  done  wrong,  or  have 
omitted  to  do  that  which  we  ought  to  have  done. 
We  would  now  examine  our  hearts.  If  we  have 
toiled  with  cheerfulness  and  fidelity,  if  we  have  car- 
ried a  devout  frame  of  mind  into  our  calling,  if  we 
have  been  truthful  to  our  fellow-men,  kind  and  un- 
selfish in  the  family,  may  we  have  the  smile  of 
thine  approval.  Grant  that  we  may  know  oui 
thoughts,  and  see  if  there  be  any  wicked  feeling 
within  us,  or  any  wrong  habit  in  our  lives,  and  may 
we  be  led  through  penitence  and  faith  into  the  way 
everlasting.     We  thank  thee  that  thou  art  leading 


DILIGENT  IN  BUSINESS.  1^9 

as  to  a  fuller  knowledge  of  thy  most  perfect  will. 
Thou  hast  appointed  that  man  should  go  forth  to 
labor ;  if,  in  thy  providence,  this  labor  has  been 
rewarded  with  an  increase  of  worldly  goods,  may 
this  enlarge  our  hearts,  and  prompt  us  to  make  a 
wise  and  faithful  use  of  thy  gracious  gifts.  In  our 
abundance  may  we  remember  the  poor  and  needy, 
and  manifest  our  gratitude  to  thee  by  acts  of  kindly 
charity  and  beneficence.  Even  if  misfortune  has 
overtaken  us,  may  we  learn  obedience  to  thy  dis- 
pensations, and  through  the  experience  of  adversity 
gain  imperishable  riches.  Thou,  O  Lord,  givest, 
and  thou  takest  away.  May  we  accept  the  con- 
dition of  our  Uves  with  uncomplaining  thankfulness, 
and  perform  all  our  duties  with  dihgence  and  fidel- 
ity, so  that  when  life  shall  end,  and  we  pass  through 
the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  we  may  hear  the 
Saviour's  welcome,  "  Well  done,  good  and  faithful 
servant,  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  the  Lord."  All 
for  which  we  pray  as  disciples  of  thy  Son,  our  Lord 
and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.     Amen, 


170  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

XLI. 
GOOD  EXAMPLE. 

No  act  falls  fruitless ;  none  can  teU 

How  vast  its  power  may  he  ; 

Nor  what  results  enfolded  dwell 

Within  itt  sUently. 

London  Inquirer. 

So  live  with  men  as  considering  always  that  God  seei 
thee.  — Anon. 

Let  your  light  so  shine  before  men,  that  they  may  see  your 
good  works,  and  glorify  your  Father  which  is  in  heaven. 

Be  thou  an  example  of  the  believers,  in  word,  in  conversa- 
tion, in  charity,  in  spirit,  in  faith,  in  purity. 

Take  heed  lest  by  any  means  ye  become  a  stumbling-block 
to  them  that  are  weak. 

If  meat  make  my  brother  to  offend,  I  will  eat  no  flesh  while 
the  world  standeth,  lest  I  make  my  brother  to  offend. 

Let  us  consider  one  another,  to  provoke  unto  love  and  to 
good  works. 

In  all  things  showing  thyself  a  pattern  of  good  works; 
in  doctrine  showing  uncorruptness,  gravity,  sincerity,  sound 
speech  that  cannot  be  denied: 

That  he  that  is  of  the  contrary  part  ny»y  be  ashamed,  hav- 
ing no  evil  thing  to  say  of  you. 

Know,  that  he  which  converteth  the  sinner  from  the  error 
of  his  way  shall  save  a  soul  from  death,  and  shall  hide  a 
multitude  of  sins. 


GOOD  EXAMPLE  171 

Be  instant  in  season  and  out  of  season;  reprove,  rebuke, 
exhort,  with  all  long-suffering  and  doctrine. 

When  a  man's  ways  please  the  Lord,  he  maketh  even  his 
enemies  to  be  at  peace  with  him. 

The  path  of  the  just  is  as  the  shining  light,  which  shineih 
more  and  more  unto  the  perfect  day. 

Morning. 

BEFORE  thee,  the  ever-mercifiil  Father,  ever 
mindful  of  our  wants,  we  come  to  renew  our 
worship  this  morning.  By  thy  power  is  the  blessed 
light  of  the  day  again  brought  to  our  eyes ;  by  thy 
goodness  is  our  strength  renewed ;  by  thy  mercy 
are  many  blessings  preserved  to  us ;  and  by  thy 
kind  providence  are  the  duties  which  now  lie  be- 
fore us  appointed » 

And  we  thank  thee,  our  Heavenly  Father,  not 
only  for  the  gifts  of  thy  bounty,  by  which  comfort 
is  multiplied  in  our  home,  but  also  for  the  duties 
which  each  day  brings  to  us.  We  know  that  thou 
hast  ordained  these  duties  that  we  might  be  blessed 
in  the  fulfilment  of  them  ;  and  that  thou  hast  given 
us  no  commandments  which  are  grievous. 

May  we,  then,  be  grateful  for  our  opportunities 
for  bearing  witness  to  what  we  believe  to  be  true 
and  right,  and  for  our  opportunities  of  doing 
good,  in  all  ways,  to  our  fellow-beings.  May  we 
strengthen  each  others'  minds  and  hearts  in  every 


172  ALTAR   AT  IldME. 

good  word  and  work.  May  no  reproach  be 
brought,  by  our  hps  or  lives,  upon  our  Saviour's 
cause.  Make  us  faithful  to  our  privileges  of  sym- 
pathy and  fellowship  with  all  who  call  upon  thy 
name  through  Jesus  Christ.  Assist  us  always  to 
receive  from  them,  and  to  impart  to  them,  some 
quickening  of  Christian  faith,  some  renewing  of 
patience,  courage,  and  hope.  Suffer  not  thy  chil- 
dren's sincere  and  humble  strivings  to  know  and  do 
thy  will  to  be  in  vain ;  but,  through  thy  Spirit  help- 
ing our  infirmities,  may  we  ever  promote  thy  king- 
dom of  righteousness,  truth,  and  peace.     Amen» 

Evening. 

FATHER  of  mercies,  it  is  in  thy  mercy  that 
we  come  to  the  close  of  this  day,  and  look 
back  upon  a  day  which  thou  hast  blessed.  We 
thank  thee  for  the  life  which  thou  hast  given  us,  for 
thy  constant  presence  and  direction,  for  thy  love, 
binding  us  to  each  other  and  to  thee.  We  trust  it 
has  brought  us  nearer  thee,  nearer  to  the  heavenly 
life,  as  it  has  brought  us  nearer  to  the  end  of  our 
lives  upon  the  earth.  We  trust  that  we  have  by  no 
act  led  any  fellow-being  astray ;  that  our  example 
has  been  good,  and  not.  evil.  For  what  we  have 
left  undone  forgive  us,  and  show  us  our  shortcom- 
ings, that  in  the  days  to  come  we  may  repair  them. 
For  what  the  day  has  brought  us,  receive  our  re- 


THE   WORD   OF  GOD.  173 

peated  thanks,  and  help  us  use  those  gifts  in  thy 
service  by  devoting  them  to  our  brothers  and  sisters 
in  the  world.  And  now  bless  us  and  keep  us,  as 
we  close  our  eyes  in  slumber,  and  mercifully  protect 
us  through  the  darkness  of  the  night.  We  ask  it 
in  the  name  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour.     Amm, 


XLII. 
THE   WORD    OF  GOD. 

Word  of  the  ever-living  God; 

Will  of  his  glorious  Son  ! 

Without  thee  how  could  earth  he  trod. 

Or  heaven  itself  he  won  f 

Barton. 

The  word  of  God  is  quick  and  powerful,  and  sharper  than 
ix.y  two-e*dged  sword,  piercing  even  to  the  dividing  asunder 
of  soul  and  spirit,  and  of  the  joints  and  marrow,  and  is  a  dis- 
cerner  of  the  thoughts  and  intents  of  the  heart. 

There  is  but  one  book  in  the  world  that  makes  religion 
consist  in  loving  God  more  than  ourselves,  and  renouncing 
self  for  him ;  all  others  that  repeat  this  great  truth  are  bor- 
rowed from  this,  all  truth  is  taught  in  this  fundamental  truth. 
—  Fenelon. 

Jesus  said,  My  mother  and  my  brethren  are  these  which 
hear  the  word  of  God  and  do  it. 

But  be  ye  doers  of  the  word,  and  not  hearers  only,  deceiv- 
ing your  own  selves. 


174  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

I  will  meditate  in  thy  precepts,  and  have  respects  unto  thy 
ways. 

I  will  delight  myself  in  thy  statutes ;  I  will  not  forget  thy 
word. 

Thy  word  is  a  lamp  unto  my  feet,  and  a  light  unto  my 
path. 

The  Gospel  will  not  be  a  means  of  salvation  to  him  who 
reads  and  hears  it  only,  but  to  him  who  reads,  loves,  remem- 
bers, and  practises  it  by  a  lively  faith.  —  Wilson. 

Blessed  are  the  undefiled  in  the  way,  who  walk  in  the  law 
of  the  Lord. 

Blessed  are  they  who  keep  his  testimonies,  and  that  seek 
him  with  the  whole  heart. 

Grant  me,  O  God,  rightly  to  understand,  and  constantly 
to  walk  in  the  way  of  thy  commandments.  —  Wilson. 

Teach  me  thy  statutes.  Incline  my  heart  unto  thy  testi- 
monies. 

Then  shall  I  not  be  ashamed  when  I  have  respect  unto  all 
thy  commandments. 

Morning. 

WE  thank  thee,  O  Lord,  our  Heavenly  Father, 
for  thy  watchful  care  over  us  through  an- 
other night.  Thine  eye,  which  never  slumbers, 
hath  guarded  our  unconscious  hours,  and  we  begin 
oui  life  anew,  because  of  the  freshness  of  thy  re- 
viving influence.  Breathe  upon  us  and  through  us, 
in  these  morning  hours,  and  guide  us  through  the 
day-     Give  unto  us  all  things  which  may  be  need- 


THE   WORD  OF   GOD.  175 

itii  tor  our  good.  Keep  away  from  us  all  things 
evil.  Be  our  help  in  every  temptation,  our  strength 
in  every  duty,  and  our  consolation  in  every  grief. 

We  thank  thee  that  thou  hast  taught  us  of  thy- 
self, and  thy  wonderful  providence,  by  thy  works 
and  by  thy  word.  We  call  thee  Father.  We 
would  be  as  thy  children  before  thee.  We  thank 
thee  for  the  life  and  teachings  of  Him  who  hath 
shown  us  the  Father.  We  desire  to  feel  his  love 
upon  and  in  our  hearts,  and  we  desire  to  feel  our 
hearts  going  out  to  him  in  love.  We  recognize  in 
his  person  our  Master,  Lord,  and  Saviour.  We 
hear  the  words  of  heavenly  wisdom  that  drop  from 
his  lips.  We  witness  the  beauty,  the  excellence, 
the  divineness,  of  his  life.  We  feel  the  inflowings 
of  his  Spirit  in  our  souls. 

Jesus  Christ  hath  taught  us  that  we  are  to  love 
thee  with  all  our  hearts,  and  all  our  minds,  and  all 
our  souls,  and  all  our  strength.  Second  only  to 
thyself  within  us,  would  we  cherish  the  love  of  our 
Redeemer.  We  would  call  to  mind  the  struggles 
and  conflicts  through  which  he  passed,  the  toils 
which  he  bore,  the  pains  which  he  endured,  and  the 
sacrifices  which  he  made  for  us.  We  are  healed  by 
his  stripes,  and  in  his  death  we  live.  Help  us, 
then,  O  Father,  to  become  his  true  disciples  and 
his  faithful  followers.  We  would  sit  at  his  feet, 
and  learn  of  him  the  wisdom  which  is  for  our  sal- 
vation.    We  would  endure  all  grief  and  pain  with 


176  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

the  trust  which  was  his  source  of  strength.  "We 
would  meet  all  difficulty  and  danger  with  the 
courage  by  which  he  was  upborne.  We  wpuld  lie 
down  to  death  with  the  willing  and  submissive  faith 
in  thee  which  glorified  his  cross.  May  we  thus 
live  and  die  through  him,  and  through  him  enter 
upon  that  holier  hfe,  and  dwell  in  that  eternal 
house,  whose  mansions  he  hath  prepared  for  us. 
And  unto  thee,  his  Father  and  our  Father,  be  praise 
and  thanksgiving  forevermore.     Amen, 

Evening. 

OTHOU  infinite,  ever-present  Spirit,  Source 
of  all  wisdom  and  intelligence,  whose  inspira- 
tion giveth  understanding,  who  enlightenest  every 
man  that  cometh  into  the  world !  we  thank  thee  for 
all  our  powers  and  capacities,  and  for  all  the  gifts 
thou  hast  bestowed  upon  thy  rational  offspring. 
We  thank  thee  for  all  the  revelations  thou  hast 
made  of  thyself  in  the  past  ages,  and  for  such  as 
thou  art  making  to  us  continually;  The  heavens 
declare  thy  glory.  Day  unto  day  and  night  unto 
night  bear  witness  to  thy  eternal  power  and  god- 
head. In  the  light  of  reason  and  in  the  power 
of  conscience,  we  would  gratefully  recognize  thy 
Spirit,  teaching,  warning,  and  guiding  us,  and 
leading  us  to  thee. 

But  above  all  do  we  thank  thee  for  the  written 


THE    WORD   OF  GOD.  I77 

Word,  —  the  word  spoken  by  prophets,  and  seers, 
and  holy  men  of  old,  that  has  come  down  to  us 
through  the  ages,  speaking  to  us  as  it  spake  to  the 
fathers,  shedding  light  upon  the  nations.  Espe- 
cially do  we  thank  thee  for  the  Word  manifest  in 
the  flesh,  —  for  the  gift  of  thy  dear  Son,  and  the 
redemption  of  the  world,  purchased  by  his  blood. 
At  his  feet  we  would  reverently  sit  and  learn  of 
him.  As  he  spake  with  a  divine  authority,  may  we 
receive  with  humble  and  teachable  minds  the  truth 
to  which  he  bore  witness,  and  may  the  truth  make 
us  free  indeed.  Let  it  not  be  our  condemnation, 
that  we  have  slighted  his  message,  or  withheld  from 
him  the  honor  due  to  his  name.  And  followmg 
him,  who  is  the  Way,  and  the  Truth,  and  the  Life, 
may  we  find  a  true  peace,  and  finally  enter  mto 
that  rest  that  remaineth  for  the  people  of  God.. 
Amen. 


•# 


178  ALTAR  AT  HOME, 


XLIII. 
THE  END    OF  LIFE. 

Lord^  what  is  lifef  —  if  spent  with  thee^ 

In  humble  praise  and  prayer^ 
How  long  or  short  its  date  may  he. 

We  feel  no  anxious  care  ; 

Though  life  depart^  our  joys  shall  last 

When  time  and  all  its  Joys  are  past. 

J.  Taylor. 

The  more  we  sink  into  the  infirmities  of  age,  the  nearer  we 
are  to  immortal  youth.  —  Collier. 

The  present  time  is  but  the  infancy  of  life;  its  maturity, 
its  perfection,  is  not  in  this  world.  —  St.  Gregory. 

Lord  make  me  to  know  mine  end,  and  the  measure  of  my 
days,  what  it  is ;  that  I  may  know  how  frail  I  am. 

The  wages  of  sin  is  death ;  but  the  gift  of  God  is  eternal 
life,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

There  is  no  death  for  those  who  die  in  Christ,  there  is  only 
sleep.  Can  they  dread  the  arrival  of  that  which  forever  sets 
them  free  from  sin,  and  all  its  cruel  snares  ?  —  St.  Ephraim. 

For  we  k/*ow  that  if  our  earthly  Lotise  of  this  tabernacle 
were  dissolved,  we  have  a  building  of  God,  an  house  not  made 
with  hands,  eternal  iu  the  heavens. 

Only  let  your  conversation  be  as  becometh  the  gospel  of 
Christ ;  that  ye  stand  fast  in  one  spirit,  with  one  mind  striving 
together  for  the  faith  of  the  gospel. 

W  hen  the  fruit  is  ripe,  it  falls  off  the  tree}  easily.     So  when 


THE  END   OF  LIFE.  I79 

a  Cbristian's  heart  is  truly  weaned  fi*om  the  world,  hi  is  pre- 
pared for  death.  —  Anon. 

They  that  spend  their  days  in  faith  and  prayer,  shall  end 
their  days  in  peace  and  comfort.  —  J.  Mason. 

For  godliness  is  profitable  unto  all  things,  having  promise 
ol  the  life  that  now  is,  and  of  that  which  is  to  come. 

Morning. 

EVER-LIVING  and  ever-present  God,  our 
Heavenly  Father,  we  thank  thee  for  the  life 
and  immortahty  brought  to  light  by  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.  We  thank  thee  that,  though  he  was  made 
subject  unto  death,  as  we  are,  it  was  witnessed,  by 
his  resurrection,  that  over  him  death  had  no  power. 
And  since,  in  thine  all- wise  providence,  it  was  or- 
dained that  our  human  life  should  be  always  subject 
to  uncertainty,  and  that  to  none  shall  this  world  be 
a  final  home,  may  we  ever  look  at  the  things  which 
are  unseen  and  eternal  in  the  heavens.  We  would 
hot  judge  for  ourselves,  or  for  those  dearest  to  us, 
concerning  the  time  of  continuance  here.  In  thy 
hand  are  all  souls.  Whenever,  to  us  or  to  our 
friends,  the  last  of  earth  shall  come,  may  we  be 
found  doing  thy  work  and  obedient  to  thy  will. 
Take  away  from  our  hearts,  O  Father,  everything 
that  doth  separate  us  from  thee.  May  we  be  thine 
wholly.  May  our  earthly  affections  and  friendships 
be  so  sanctified  by  Christian  faith,  that  they  may 


180  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

continue,  uninterrupted  by  death,  abiding  forever- 
more  in  heaven.  May  the  things  of  the  unseen 
future  always  be  to  us  as  present  reahties.  While 
we  remain  on  earth,  may  we  grow  in  the  love  of 
thyself,  and  of  all  the  holy  things  which  we  hope  to 
love  forever.  And  finally,  of  thy  great  mercy,  wilt 
thou,  in  thine  own  time,  call  us  to  thyself;  which 
we  ask  in  the  name  of  Christ,  our  Lord.     Amen. 

EVENING. 

GRANT,  most  merciful  Father,  that  thy  gra- 
cious benediction  may  rest  upon  us  now  at  the 
close  of  this  day.  We  thank  thee  for  the  comforts, 
the  privileges,  and  the  duties  which  it  has  offered  to 
us.  Forgive  us,  if  we  have  failed  to  use  them  as 
we  ought.  And  help  us  to  be  more  diligent  in  all 
time  to  come,  that  every  setting  sun  may  awaken  in 
us  a  new  sense  of  thy  favor,  and  bear  witness  to 
our  growth  in  grace,  and  in  the  knowledge  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  that  every  day,  in  its  fin- 
ished labors,  may  prepare  us  for  the  night  in  which 
no  man  can  work.  Open  to  us  wider  and  truer 
views  of  thyself.  May  we  attain  to  a  more  satis- 
fying and  heavenly  wisdom.  May  we  live  in  closer 
and  more  endearing  intimacy  with  thee.  May  our 
affections  be  refined  and  ripened,  day  by  day,  for 
the  kingdom  of  heaven.  May  every  new  joy  or 
Borrow,  every  new  event  or  experience,  so  draw  us 


THE  END   OF  LIFE.  181 

to  thee,  and  so  fulfil  for  us  the  great  and  holy  ends 
of  life,  that,  day  by  day,  we  may  be  lifted  up  into 
higher  realms  of  thought,  that  we  may  love  thee 
with  a  more  perfect  love,  that  we  may  be  trans- 
formed more  and  more  into  the  image  of  our  Lord, 
and  that  when  earthly  interests  and  friends  pass 
from  us,  heavenly  hopes,  affections,  and  companion- 
ships may  gain  new  power  over  us,  and  make  it 
easy  for  us  to  leave  all  that  we  possess  here,  and 
pass  on,  with  thy  peace  in  our  hearts,  from  the 
things  which  are  seen  and  temporal  to  the  things 
which  are  unseen  and  eternal.  So  may  the  closing 
days  of  life,  enriched  by  gracious  memories  and 
immortal  hopes,  be  serene  and  holy.  And  at  last, 
through  thine  infinite  mercy,  may  we  be  numbered 
with  those  of  whom  thou  hast  said,  "  Blessed  are 
the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord  ;  for  they  rest  from 
their  labors  and  their  works  do  follow  them." 
Even  so,  most  holy  and  merciful  Father,  through 
thy  great  mercy  in  Him  who  gave  himself  for  us, 
and  died  that  we  might  live.     Amen, 


182  ALTAR  AT  HOME, 

XLIV. 
DAILT  FAULTS, 

The  cheapest  sins  most  dearly  punished  arej 
Because  to  shun  them  also  is  so  cheap  ; 

For  we  have  wit  to  mark  them,  and  to  spare. 
0  crumble  not  away  thy  soul's  fair  heap  ! 

Herbbbt. 

Small  offences  become  great  in  our  eyes,  as  the  light  of 
God  increases  within  us.  —  Fenelon. 

We  must  condemn  our  faults,  lament  them,  repent  of  them, 
without  seeking  any  palliation  or  excuse,  viewing  ourselves 
as  in  the  presence  of  God.  —  Fenelon. 

Cleanse  thou  me  from  secret  faults.  Keep  back  thy  servant 
alio  from  presumptuous  sins. 

Confess  your  faults  one  to  another,  and  pray  one  for  anoth- 
er, that  ye  may  be  healed. 

Now,  therefore,  thus  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts,  Consider  your 
ways. 

For  I  know  your  manifold  transgressions  and  your  ana. 
Seek  good,  and  not  evil,  that  ye  may  live. 

Have  mercy  upon  me,  O  Lord ;  for  I  am  weak :  O  Lord, 
heal  me. 

It  is  at  its  source  that  evil  must  be  stopped ;  even  though 
it  may  not  arrive  immediately  at  its  height,  it  must  not  on 
that  account  be  neglected.  It  will  grow  during  your  sleep ; 
it  is  only  a  germ,  but  if  you  do  not  extirpate  it,  it  will  bring 
forth  the  fruits  of  death.  —  St.  John  Chrysostom. 


DAILY  FAULTS.  183 

Beware  how  you  regard  as  trifling,  faults  which  appear 
of  but  little  consequence.  An  accumulation  of  small  faults 
makes  a  very  large  one;  grains  of  sand,  gathered  together 
one  upon  another,  form  the  banks  on  which  the  vessel  strikes. 

—  St.  Augustine. 

Little  sins  do  greatly  deface  the  image  of  God  in  the  soul. 

—  Hopkins. 

Morning. 

WE  would  acknowledge,  O  God,  with  grat- 
itude, thine  unmeasured  and  immeasurable 
love,  which  daily  renews  our  life,  and  daily  gives  us 
the  means  to  gain  wisdom  and  virtue.  Help  us  to 
show  our  gratitude  by  consecrating  ourselves  to  thy 
service,  —  to  thy  service,  which  alone  is  perfect 
freedom,  in  which  alone  is  real  life.  Help  us,  O 
Father,  this  day,  to  make  the  word  of  Jesus  our 
guide  and  standard ;  help  us  so  to  live  that  his  word 
may  not  condemn  us  in  the  hour  of  judgment.  We 
confess  that  his  yoke  is  easy  and  his  burden  light ; 
and  that  we  are  most  unreasonable  in  our  disobe- 
dience, doing  wrong  on  slight  temptation ;  whilst 
thou  hast  given  us,  in  his  precious  promises,  and 
equally  precious  warnings,  the  strongest  motives  to 
resist  the  tempter.  But  he  bade  us  ask  for  the  gifts 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  we  therefore  pray  thee  for 
its  gracious  influences.  We  know  that  it  will  add 
to  our  guilt  if  we  sin  against  thy  good  Spirit.  But 
may  the  ver}^  thought  that  thou  art  with  us  and 


184  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

helping  us  be  our  strength  in  duty  and  our  defence 
against  temptation.  Let  us  not  deceive  ourselves 
with  the  vain  hope  that  our  sins  can  be  deemed 
small  because  done  upon  small  temptation,  or  par- 
donable because  we  constantly  repeat  them.  Bring 
to  our  remembrance,  according  to  our  Lord's  prom- 
ise, his  words  in  all  their  awful  strictness,  binding 
us  to  govern  every  word  and  every  thought ;  and 
also  in  all  their  glorious  riches  of  mercy,  promising 
forgiveness  always  to  the  penitent  and  obedient 
spirit ;  and  may  his  word  become  in  us  the  fountain 
of  everlasting  life.  We  thank  thee  that  thou  hast 
through  him  offered  us  eternal  life  and  blessedness ; 
suffer  us  not,  O  gracious  God,  to  waste  our  daily 
opportunities  for  gaining  the  crown  of  life ;  suffer 
us  not,  by  what  we  may  deem  little  sins,  to  ex- 
change our  heavenly  inheritance  for  a  heritage  of 
everlasting  shame. 

And  these  blessings  of  thy  grace  we  would  ask 
not  only  for  ourselves,  but  for  all  who  are  dear  to 
us  ;  for  our  neighbors  also,  and  for  all  mankind. 
Give  thy  word,  O  God,  this  day  success  in  every 
land.  Establish  righteousness  upon  the  earth,  and 
cast  wickedness  out  of  her  high  places.  Confound 
the  counsels  of  the  ungodly,  and  bring  them  to 
naught,  but  let  thy  church  be  sanctified,  and  be 
extended  until  the  world  is  filled  with  thy  glory. 
Amen, 


DAILY  FAULTS.  185 


Evening. 


OGOD,  thou  Searcher  of  hearts,  we  mourn 
that  our  faults  are  so  stubborn  and  abiding, 
and  that,  often  as  we  discover  and  lament  them  and 
strive  against  them,  they  do  still  so  mightily  return 
upon  us.  Let  us  make  honest  confession  of  this 
our  frailty,  and  be  willing  to  appear  at  thy  mercy- 
seat  just  as  we  are,  without  pretence  or  reserve. 
Thou  canst  know  us,  and  yet  pity,  forgive,  and 
save. 

Help  us,  O  Father,  to  study  more  deeply  and 
humbly  the  springs  of  our  perversity,  that  we  may 
know  our  own  frailties  so  wisely  as  to  trace  them  to 
their  source,  and  find  their  cure.  Save  us,  All- 
Merciful,  from  despairing  over  our  own  sins,  and 
graciously  give  us  comforting  views  of  our  own 
gifts  and  thy  graces,  that  we  may  be  encouraged 
to  overcome  the  evil  that  is  within  us  with  thine 
abounding  good.  Save  us  from  all  such  desponding 
views  of  ourselves  as  tend  to  quench  the  spirit  of 
hope,  and  enable  us  in  the  hour  of  darkness  and 
temptation  to  cling  to  thy  mercy-seat,  and  to  claim 
the  comforts  of  thy  love. 

Help  us,  O  God,  to  watch  and  pray  that  we  may 
not  enter  into  temptation.  Help  us  to  resist  the 
least  beginning  of  evil,  and  so  to  set  a  guard  upon 
our  eyes  and  lips  and  walk,  as  to  keep  us  from 
every  occasion  of  sin  and  open  every  pathway  of 
rectitude. 


186  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

And  O,  blessed  God,  Giver  of  all  good,  Com 
forter  in  all  trouble,  Renewer  of  souls,  in  thy 
loving-kindness  open  unto  us  the  fountains  of  heav- 
enly wisdom  and  power,  that  we  may  repel  all  evil 
spirits  and  tempers  by  the  angels  of  grace,  and  the 
life  that  is  born  of  thy  Holy  Spirit  may  overcome 
the  life  of  sin  and  death. 

All  glory  be  to  thee  for  thy  long-suffering  mercy, 
thy  forbearance  with  our  miserable  frailties,  and 
make  us  strong  and  holy  by  a  righteousness  better 
than  our  own,  even  through  thy  beloved  Son,  Jesus 
Christ.     Amen. 


XLV. 

PURE  RELIGION  AND    UNDEFILED, 

The  uplifted  eye  and  tended  knee 

Are  hut  vain  homage^  Lord,  to  thee; 

In  vain  our  lips  thy  praise  prolong^ 

The  heart  a  stranger  to  the  song. 

Scott. 

If  any  man  seem  to  be  religious,  and  bridleth  not  his  tongue, 
but  deceiveth  his  own  heart,  this  man's  religion  is  vain. 

Pure  religion  and  undefiled  before  God  and  the  Father  is 
this.  To  visit  the  fatherless  and  widows  in  their  afiliction,  and 
to  keep  hinself  unspotted  from  the  world. 

Religion  was  not  intended  to  minister  to  fame  and  reputa* 


PURE  RELIGION  AND   UNDEFILED.     187 

Hon,  but  to  pardon  of  sins,  to  the  pleasure  of  God,  and  the 
salvation  of  souls.  —  Taylor. 

The  Lord  knoweth  them  that  are  his.  Let  every  one  that 
nameth  the  name  of  Christ  depart  from  iniquity. 

Virtue  does  not  consist  in  avoiding  evil,  through  fear  of 
chastisement,  like  a  slave; 

Nor  in  doing  good  solely  with  a  view  to  recompense,  like 
a  merchant  carrying  on  his  traffic; 

But  to  do  it  without  even  thinking  of  the  rewards  promised 
to  us  for  it  in  another  life;  without  fearing  anything  but 
estrangement  from  God;  without  desiring  anything  but  the 
sole  good  of  knowing  Him,  and  being  united  to  Him,  in  his 
love.  —  St.  Gregory  of  Nyssa. 

Vice  stings  us  even  in  our  pleasures,  but  virtue  consoles  us 
even  in  our  pains.  —  Colton.. 

Blessed  are  they  which  do  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteous- 
ness; for  they  shall  be  filled. 

For  I  say  unto  you,  that  except  your  righteousness  shall 
exceed  the  righteousness  of  the  scribes  and  Pharisees,  ye  shall 
in  no  case  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

Be  ye  therefore  perfect,  even  as  your  Father  which  is  in 
heaven  is  perfect. 

Morning. 

OTHOU  who  art  the  Giver  of  life,  and  of 
everything  which  makes  life  a  blessing !  be- 
fore entering  on  our  daily  cares  and  duties,  we 
would  again  look  up  for  that  light  and  help  from 
above  which  we  so  much  need. 


188  ALTAR  AT  HOME, 

Confirm  and  strengthen  every  good  purpose  of 
our  souls.  May  we  remember  that  to  obey  the 
gospel  is  the  best  way  to  possess  it ;  that  it  is  not 
the  bended  knee,  but  the  pure  thought,  the  upright 
intention,  the  large  and  generous  heart,  the  un- 
spotted life,  which  find  favor  with  thee.  To  be 
followers  of  Him  who  is  set  forth  as  our  Example 
and  Lord,  we  must  walk  reverently  and  patiently  in 
his  steps,  making  it  our  meat  to  do  the  will  of  our 
Heavenly  Father,  and  to  finish  his  work. 

O  God,  if  amidst  our  domestic  anxieties,  or  in 
the  excitements  and  perplexities  of  business,  we 
should  at  any  time  this  day  forget  thee,  we  beseech 
thee  to  have  pity  on  us,  to  reclaim  us  to  a  sense  of 
thy  presence,  and  lead  us  in  the  way  of  eternal  life: 
for  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power,  and  the 
glory,  forever.     Amen, 

Evening, 

OGOD,  thy  goodness  is  new  every  morning, 
and  fresh  every  evening.  All  creatures  wait 
on  thee,  and  thou  givest  them  their  meat  in  due 
season.  We  have  gone  forth  to-day  under  thy  care 
and  providence,  and  now  we  look  to  thee  for  that 
rest  which  our  bodies  need,  and  for  thy  gracious 
benediction  upon  our  hearts.  We  thank  thee  for 
thy  care  through  the  day ;  that  we  have  been  per- 
mitted to  engage  in  our  accustomed  duties  ;  that  we 


PURE   RELIGION  AND    UNDEFILED.    189 

have  found  activity,  satisfaction,  and  happiness  in 
them.  Teach  us,  O  God,  how  our  daily  labors  may 
be  made  the  school  of  our  souls,  —  a  discipline  of 
patience,  truth,  and  purity.  May  we  remember 
that  the  temptations  of  life  are  in  our  own  hearts, 
and  not  in  any  of  the  things  of  this  world  that  God 
hath  made.  Thou  canst  not  be  tempted,  neither 
temptest  thou  any  man.  Purify  our  hearts  by  thy 
blessed  Spirit,  that  we  may  serve  thee  truly  in  mak- 
ing all  our  duties  a  spiritual  service  unto  thee. 
Save  us  from  the  mistake  of  setting  a  part  of  our 
duty  for  the  whole  of  it.  Thou  requirest  ot  us,  not 
only  to  do  good,  but  to  walk  reverently  before  God. 
Help  us  to  keep  this  holy  equity  of  soul,  that  our 
earthly  life  may  be  so  blended  with  heavenly  tem- 
per, that  all  things  may  have  a  moral  and  spiritual 
intent  to  our  patient,  believing  hearts.  May  we 
write  thy  whole  law  upon  our  hearts,  and  may  it 
have  its  blessed  success  in  our  daily  living.  Help 
us  to  be  just,  merciful,  and  pure.  May  we  not 
incline  to  one  of  these,  and  omit  the  others,  but 
may  we  remember  that  pure  and  undefiled  religion 
before  God  is  to  keep  them  all.  May  these  rev- 
erent and  humble  thoughts  sink  deep  into  our 
hearts,  and  when  the  morning  light  shall  come, 
may  they  appear  in  courageous,  devout,  and  godly 
living.     Amen. 


190  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

XLVI. 
JGJINST  WORLDLT-MINDEDNESS. 

Instruct  thou  me,  0  God ! 

And  give  me  grace  to  heed 
With  what  vain  things  ourselves  we  load. 

And  what  we  rather  need. 

Wither. 

Love  not  the  world,  nor  the  things  that  are  in  the  world ; 
il  any  man  love  the  world,  the  love  of  the  Father  is  not  in 
him. 

Give  me,  O  God,  the  eyes  of  faith,  that  I  may  see  the 
world  just  as  it  is ;  —  the  vanity  of  its  promises,  the  folly  of 
its  pleasures,  the  unprofitableness  of  its  rewards,  the  multi- 
tude of  its  snares,  and  the  dangers  of  its  temptations. — 
Wilson. 

Set  your  affections  on  things  above,  not  on  things  on  the 
eartK 

What  terror,  what  affliction,  can  equal  that  of  a  Christian, 
who  has  never  thought  of  weaning  his  heart  from  the  world 
till  he  comes  to  die.  —  Wilson. 

Although  thou  shouldest  possess  all  created  good,  yet 
couldest  thou  not  be  happy  thereby  nor  blessed;  but  in  God, 
who  created  all  things,  consisteth  thy  whole  blessedness  and 
felicity.  —  A  Kempis. 

Learn  so  to  look  upon  the  honors,  the  pomp,  and  great- 
aess  of  the  world,  as  to  look  through  them.  —  South. 

For  the  wisdom  of  this  world  is  foolishness  with  God. 


AGAINST  WORLDLY-MINDEDNESS.      191 

Surely  every  man  walketh  in  a  vain  show  ;  surely  they  are 
disquieted  in  vain ;  he  heapeth  up  riches,  and  knoweth  not 
who  shall  gather  them. 

He  that  loveth  silver  shall  not  be  satisfied  with  silver ;  nor 
he  that  loveth  abundance  with  increase. 

Lay  up  for  yourselves  treasures  in  heaven,  where  neither 
moth  nor  rust  doth  corrupt,  and  where  thieves  do  not  break 
through  nor  steal. 

For  where  your  treasure  is  there  will  your  heart  be  also. 


O 


Morning. 

UR  Father  in  Heaven,  we  thank  thee  for  the 
return  of  this  morning,  and  for  the  renewal  of 
our  daily  blessings.  We  love  to  feel  that  we  are 
always  surrounded  by  thee,  and  that  the  blessings 
of  each  day  are  the  gifts  of  thy  providence.  We 
love  to  feel  that  thou  art  coming  to  us  in  the  joy 
and  freshness  of  the  morning,  in  the  serenity  and 
peace  of  the  evening,  in  the  love  of  our  loved  ones, 
in  the  happiness  of  our  home,  in  the  discipline  of 
daily  experience,  and  in  all  things  which  make  us 
glad,  and  strong,  and  heavenly-minded.  And  now, 
before  entering  upon  the  labors  and  trials  of  this 
day,  we  meet  together  that  we  may  think  how  real 
and  earnest  life  should  be ;  how  innocently  and 
actively  we  should  enter  into  it,  and  how  much  we 
need  thy  guidance,  even  when  we  cannot  think  of 
thee.     O  Lord,  how  often  have  we  felt  that  we 


192  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

would  be  more  obedient  to  all  thy  commands  1 
How  often  have  we  said  within  ourselves,  "  This 
day  we  will  not  sin  ;  we  will  be  kind,  and  just,  and 
patient,  and  affectionate  all  day,  and  lie  down  at 
night  without  a  regretful  memory  !  "  But  alas  !  as 
the  excitements  of  duty  or  pleasure  come  upon  us, 
we  grow  anxious  and  restless,  or  forgetful  and  friv- 
olous, and  find  at  the  close  of  the  day  that  we  are 
careful  and  troubled  about  many  things,  and  that 
we  have  not  yet  found  that  "  good  part "  which  can- 
not thus  be  taken  away  from  us.  Our  Heavenly 
Father,  we  now  come  to  thee  with  no  confidence  in 
our  own  strength,  and  pray  that  thou  wilt  help  us. 
Let  thy  grace  be  sufficient  for  us.  Come  to  us 
many  times  this  day,  in  holy  thought  and  reverent 
feeling,  and  thus  keep  us  near  thee,  even  in  our 
forge tfulness.  May  all  that  is  beautiful  remind  us 
of  thee,  the  infinite  Beauty.  May  all  that  is  lovely 
remind  us  of  thee,  the  One  altogether  lovely. 
May  all  that  is  true  lead  us  to  thee,  the  Source  of 
all  truth.  O,  send  us  not  from  thy  presence  un- 
blessed ;  but  breathe  thy  loving  Spirit  upon  us  all 
before  we  take  up  the  burden  of  our  daily  duty, 
that  we  may  go  on  our  way  rejoicing,  and  the 
words  of  our  mouths  and  the  meditations  of  our 
hearts  may  be  acceptable  in  thy  sight,  O  Lord, 
our  Strength  and  our  Redeemer.     Amen. 


AGAINST   WORLDLY-MINDEDNESS.      193 

EVENING. 

FATHER,  our  minds  are  unquiet  because  tliey 
are  full  of  worldly  thoughts  and  fears.  Our 
worldly  thoughts  drive  out  the  thought  of  thee  aud 
of  thy  Son,  —  drive  out  peace  and  contentment,  — 
and  we  cannot  be  at  rest  with  thee  or  in  ourselves 
till  these  are  gone. 

Therefore,  O  Father,  we  pray  thee  to  take  away 
these  thoughts  out  of  our  hearts,  —  these  desolate 
thoughts,  which  refuse  consolation,  which  seek 
death  instead  of  life,  sin  instead  of  goodness,  and 
lies  instead  of  truth. 

O  most  pitiful  One,  destroy  in  us  the  insatiable 
desire  for  pleasure,  the  burning  love  of  wealth,  — 
destroy  this  thirst,  never  satisfied,  which  brings 
affliction  in  the  day  and  fear  in  the  night ;  which 
makes  us  poorer,  the  richer  we  become ;  which 
rises  in  the  -morning  for  gain,  and  dreams  at  night 
of  gold. 

Destroy,  O  God,  this  love  of  outward  things  for 
themselves ;  let  us  love  them  only  as  coming  from 
thee,  and  as  giving  us  the  means  of  helping  others. 
May  thy  gifts  be  for  others'  good,  and  all  as  trusts 
for  which  we  are  to  account.  May  we  not  trust  in 
them,  but  in  thee,  and  use  them  as  not  abusing 
them  always.     Amen. 


194  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

XLVII. 
LOFE    TOWARDS  GOD. 

My  soul,  inspired  with  sacred  love^ 

God's  holy  name  forever  bless  ; 
Of  all  his  favors  mindful  prove^ 

And  still  thy  grateful  thanks  express. 

Tate  and  Bradt. 

Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thine  heart,  and 
with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy  might. 

And  this  is  love,  that  we  walk  after  his  commandments. 

To  love  God  is  to  make  his  will  ours ;  it  is  to  obey  faithfully 
his  laws ;  it  is  to  abhor  sin.  —  Fenelon. 

The  true  love  of  God  regulates  and  inspires  all  our  attach- 
ments. We  never  love  our  neighbor  so  truly  as  when  our 
love  for  him  is  prompted  by  the  love  of  God.  —  Fenelon. 

0  G<>d,  reign  in  our  hearts;  let  the  flame  of  thy  holy  love 
extinguish  all  other.  —  Fenelon. 

1  will  love  thee,  O  Lord,  my  strength. 

Great  peace  have  they  that  love  thy  law,  and  nothing  shall 
ctfend  them. 

The  Lord  preserveth  all  them  that  love  him. 

Acquaint  now  thyself  with  him,  and  be  at  peace :  thereby 
good  shall  come  unto  thee. 

Grod  keepeth  covenant  and  mercy  for  them  that  love  hiro 
and  observe  his  commandments. 

There  is  no  fear  in  love;  but  perfect  love  casteth  out  all 
fear. 


LOVE    TOWARDS   GOD.  195 

See,  I  have  set  before  thee  this  day  life  and  good,  and 
death  and  evil ; 

In  that  I  have  commanded  thee  this  day  to  love  the  Lord 
your  God,  to  walk  in  his  ways,  and  to  keep  his  command- 
ments and  his  statutes  and  his  judgments. 

Morning. 

OUR  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  thy  children 
praise  thee  for  the  sleep  of  the  night,  and  its 
rest  and  blessing,  and  for  the  light  and  beauty  of 
the  morning.  Be  pleased  to  come  home  to  us 
through  this  day,  that  we  may  spend  it  as  those 
should  who  live  and  move  and  have  their  being  in 
then'  God.  Renew  within  us  our  love  and  rev- 
erence for  thee.  Remind  us  often  of  thy  presence, 
that  we  may  often  be  grateful  for  thy  love.  When- 
ever we  are  afraid,  give  us  courage  ;  whenever  we 
are  weary,  give  us  strength  ;  whenever  we  are  cast 
down,  give  us  hope ;  and  show  us  in  all  things  how 
to  do  the  work  that  thou  shalt  give  into  our  hands. 
And  so  when  we  are  glad  this  day,  make  us  more 
glad  because  thou  art  with  us,  and  in  all  our  pleas- 
ures let  us  thank  thee,  the  Giver.  We  offer  all 
our  prayers  in   our  dear  Master's   name.     Amen, 

EVENING. 

EVER-PRESENT  Friend,  we  bow  before  thee 
in   lowly  thanksgiving   and   grateful   thought 


196  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

this  evening,  remembering  and  feeling  all  thy  love. 
For  all  thy  gifts  this  day  we  thank  thee  ;  for  the 
life  of  our  bodies,  and  the  undying  life  of  our  souls, 
which  thou  art  renewing ;  for  bodily  health  and 
strength,  and  for  mental  and  spiritual  strength  ;  for 
all  our  powers  of  feeling,  thought,  and  action. 
Again  we  thank  thee  for  the  surroundings  of  home, 
neighborhood,  citizenship ;  for  the  relations  of  affec- 
tion, of  labor,  or  friendship.  Each  day,  as  it  comes 
to  us,  is  a  rich  gift,  full  of  precious  presents,  —  full 
of  opportunities  by  which  we  can  learn  more,  do 
more,  and  love  more.  May  all  lead  us  to  love  thee, 
—  the  Fountain  of  every  good  and  every  precious 
and  perfect  gift.  Feeling  that  all  blessings  are  de- 
scending from  above  into  our  hearts  and  homes, 
may  our  grateful  love  ascend  from  the  altar  of  our 
home  and  heart  to  thee.  We  can  give  thee  nothing 
but  our  love,  —  may  we  give  thee  this,  at  least,  O 
our  best  and  dearest  Friend.  We  love  thee,  be- 
cause thou  hast  first  loved  us  ;  we  trust  in  thee, 
because  thy  hand  has  always  led,  and  is  leading  us, 
safely  onward  and  upward.  We  rise  toward  thee 
on  the  pinions  of  aspiration  and  reverence.  We 
submit  to  thy  will  as  to  that  which  is  always  wise, 
right,  and  good.  So  may  we,  this  evening,  all  rest 
in  the  quiet  sense  of  thy  perfect  protection  ;  whicli 
wc  ask  in  the  spirit  of  Jesus  Christ.     Ameii, 


EVIL  AND  IDLE  SPi:iAKING.  197 

XLVIII. 
EFIL  AND   IDLE   SPEAKING. 

Words  are  mighty^  words  are  living: 
Serpents  with  their  venomous  stings^ 

Or  bright  angels^  crowding  round  uSy 
With  heaven's  light  upon  their  tvings  I 

Every  word  has  its  own  spirit, 
True  or  false,  that  never  dies  ; 

Every  word  man's  lips  have  uttered 

Echoes  in  God's  skies. 

A.  A.  Procter. 

Let  no  corrupt  communication  proceed  out  of  your  mouth, 
but  that  which  is  good  to  the  use  of  edifying,  that  it  may 
minister  grace  unto  the  hearers. 

May  I  never  hear  with  pleasure,  nor  ever  repeat,  such 
things  as  dishonor  God  or  injure  my  neighbor.  —  Wilson. 

Set  a  watch,  O  Lord,  before  my  mouth,  and  keep  the  door 
of  my  lips. 

Speak  not  evil  one  of  another. 

A  froward  man  soweth  strife ;  and  a  whisperer  separateth 
chief  friends. 

Lay  not  to  my  charge  what,  by  an  angry  spirit,  by  vain 
and  idle  words,  by  foolish  jesting,  I  have  committed  against 
thee.  —  Wilson. 

Whoso  offereth  praise  glorifieth  me :  and  to  him  that  order* 
eth  his  conversation  arigh*  will  I  show  the  salvation  of  God. 


198  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

The  mouth  of  the  righteous  speaketh  wisdom,  and  his 
tongue  talketh  of  judgment. 

Every  beam  of  reason  and  ray  of  knowledge  checks  the 
dissolutions  of  the  tongue.  —  Taylor. 

By  thy  words  thou  shalt  be  justified,  and  by  thy  words  thou 
ohalt  be  condemned. 

Keep  thy  tongue  from  evil,  and  thy  lips  from  speaking 
guile. 

Preserve  me,  0  God,  from  a  vain  conversation.  Give  me 
grace  never  to  be  ashamed  or  afraid  to  speak  to  thee,  or  of 
thy  law.  —  Wilson. 

Let  your  speech  be  always  with  grace,  seasoned  with  salt, 
that  ye  may  know  how  ye  ought  to  answer  every  man. 

Shun  profane  and  vain  babblings;  for  they  will  increajje 
unto  more  ungodliness.  And  their  word  will  eat  as  doth  a 
canker. 

Morning. 

OUR  Father  which  art  in  heaven,  thou  hast  set 
before  us  again  a  fresh,  new  day.  The  sun 
rises,  the  land  is  full  of  thy  light,  and  the  earth  is 
vocal  with  thy  praises.  Birds  and  beasts,  winds 
and  waters,  through  all  ages'  have  iittea  up  the 
everlasting  song  to  Him  that  made  them.  But  far 
above  all  the  lowest  whisper  sounds  to  heaven  out 
of  the  heart  of  every  man  thy  child.  In  the  awful 
power  of  human  speech,  faint  and  broken  though  it 
be,  thou  hast  folded  more  than  in  all  the  sounds  of 


EVIL   AND  IDLE   SPEAKING.  199 

wind  and  sea.  Father,  we  shall  go  out  into  the 
world  to-day  bearing  this  great  gift  of  the  word, 
the  crown  and  glory  of  our  life.  O  help  us  to 
weigh  its  mighty  worth,  and  to  hold  it  for  the  ho- 
liest uses.  May  the  word  we  utter  this  day  be  a 
pure  transcript  of  the  truth  as  we  know  the  truth, 
whether  it  bring  us  loss  or  gain,  sorrow  or  joy. 
Fill  us  with  a  great  sense  and  conviction  that  the 
words  we  speak  this  day  will  live  to  bring  their  own 
harvest  of  honor  or  shame,  to  set  the  seal  of  Christ 
on  our  forehead  in  the  last  day,  or  to  brand  us  with 
the  mark  of  the  beast.  Lord,  we  are  in  the  world, 
—  keep  us,  we  beseech  thee  ;  hold  us  fast  in  a  true, 
sweet  temper  to  all  men,  in  a  strong,  clear  sense  of 
our  real  duty  ;  save  us  from  harsh  words,  from 
petty  words,  from  unfair  and  from  foolish  words, 
and  may  we  be  so  full  of  thy  good  spirit,  so  open 
and  free,  that  some  man  or  woman,  sad  and  weary 
from  the  burdens  and  sorrows  of  life,  may  gather 
new  power  out  of  some  word  of  cheer  that  may 
fall  from  our  lips,  and  be  able  to  cry,  "  Did  not  our 
hearts  burn  within  us  as  he  talked  to  us  by  the 
way  ?  "     This  in  the  spirit  of  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

EVENING. 

WE  pray,    Heavenly   Parent,   for   wisdom   to 
form  our  characters  after  the  pattern  of  our 
Master,  and   to   guide  our  lives  according  to  the 


*iOO  ATTAR  AT  HOME. 

lines  of  thy  law.  We  pray  to  thee  for  help  to 
order  our  thoughts  in  accordance  with  truth,  and  to 
frame  our  speech  to  issues  of  purity  and  good. 
May  no  word  of  falsehood  or  hatred  drop  from  our 
tongues,  but  abundant  words  of  wisdom  and  kind- 
ness, sound  admonition  and  blessed  encouragement. 
Make  us  slow  to  blame,  quick  to  praise,  even  as 
we  would  have  others  be  to  us.  Lead  us  also  to 
cultivate  the  listening  ear  and  the  improving  heart, 
that  no  words  of  usefulness  from  our  fellow-men, 
or  from  thy  providence,  may  pass  us  unheeded. 
Speak  unto  us  ever,  O  God,  the  counsels  we  need, 
and  give  us  the  will  to  obey.  We  would  remember 
that  we  must  give  an  account  of  every  idle  word, 
and  be  inspired  by  the  thought  to  live  with  a  dis- 
creet oversight  of  ourselves,  purifying  the  heart, 
curbing  the  tongue,  aiming  at  thine  approval  here 
and  thine  acceptance  hereafter.     Amen, 


REPENTANCE  AND  FORGIVENESS.      201 

XLIX. 

REPENTANCE  AND  FORGIVENESS. 

Times  without  number  have  I  prayed^ 

"  This  only  once  forgive  ** 
Relapsing  when  thy  hand  was  stayed^ 

And  suffered  me  to  live. 

Yet  now  the  kingdom  of  thy  peacSy 

Lord,  to  my  heart  restore  ; 
Forgive  my  vain  repentances^ 

And  hid  me  sin  no  more. 

COWPER. 

If  the  wicked  will  turn  from  all  his  sins  that  he  hath  com- 
mitted, and  keep  all  my  statutes,  and  do  that  which  is  lawful 
and  right,  he  shall  surely  live. 

Have  mercy  upon  me,  O  God,  according  to  thy  loving- 
kindness  :  according  unto  the  multitude  of  thy  tender  mercies 
blot  out  my  transgressions. 

Wash  me  thoroughly  from  mine  iniquity,  and  cleanse  me 
from  my  sin. 

Turn  us  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  and  we  shall  be  turned ;  renevr 
our  days  as  of  old. 

Remember,  O  Lord,  thy  tender  mercies  and  thy  loving- 
kindnesses  ;  for  they  have  been  ever  of  old. 

Repentance  begins  in  the  humiliation  of  the  heart,  and 
ends  in  the  reformation  of  the  life.  —  Mason. 

Let  the  wicked  forsake  his  way,  and  the  unrighteous  man 
9* 


202  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

his  thoughts ;  and  let  him  return  unto  the  Lord,  and  he  will 
have  mercy  upon  him ;  and  to  our  God,  for  he  will  abundantly 
pardon. 

As  I  live,  saith  the  Lord  God,  I  have  no  pleasure  in  the 
death  of  the  wicked ;  but  that  the  wicked  turn  from  his  way 
and  live. 

Remember  not  the  sins  of  my  youth,  nor  my  transgressions. 

The  Lord  is  nigh  unto  them  that  are  of  a  broken  heart 
and  saveth  such  as  be  of  a  contrite  spirit. 

Bitter  in  their  bud,  fruits  gain  sweetness  as  they  advance 
to  their  maturity ;  so  it  is  with  the  exercises  of  penitence,  — 
they  begin  by  being  bitter,  but  they  end  by  growing  sweet.  — 
St.  Ephraim. 

Though  your  sins  be  as  scarlet,  saith  the  Lord,  they  shall 
be  white  as  snow ;  though  they  be  red  like  crimson,  they  shall 
be  as  wool. 

Repentance  is  the  key  that  unlocks  the  gate  wherein  sin 
keeps  man  a  prisoner.  —  Feltham. 

Morning. 

FATHER  and  Friend,  thou  who  art  all  holy 
and  pure,  burdened  with  a  sense  of  sin  and  a 
weight  of  transgression,  weighed  down  by  a  heavy 
heart,  all-conscious  of  its  evil,  we  come  to  thee. 
We  come,  though  we  are  sinners,  —  yes,  we  come 
because  we  are  sinners.  There  is  no  better  reason, 
thou  hast  taught  us  in  Christ,  for  coming  to  thee, 
than  we  have  in  our  sin.  If  we  were  pure  and 
righteous,  we  should  not  need  thy  pardoning  love ; 


REPENTANCE  AND  FORGIVENESS.     203 

but  because  we  are  sinful,  we  need  it ;  and  because 
thou  knowest  that  we  need  it,  thou  art  sending  it. 
O  Thou,  who  art  in  Christ  reconciHng  sinners  to 
thyself,  reconcile  us  to  thyself  Change  this  death 
uito  life ;  let  the  burden  drop  from  us ;  lift  us  out 
of  this  mire  and  deep  water,  in  which  we  can  nei- 
ther stand  nor  go,  —  lift  us,  and  put  our  feet  upon 
the  rock  which  shall  never  be  moved.  Let  thy  for- 
giveness teach  us  to  love  ;  because  thou  forgivest 
much,  may  we  love  much,  in  return.  Looking 
behind  us,  we  see  our  lives  imperfect,  our  souls 
stained,  our  best  works  poor,  our  plainest  duties 
unfulfilled.  How  much  time  have  we  wasted,  how 
many  opportunities  have  we  lost.  In  thought  and 
affection,  in  word  and  deed,  against  each  other  and 
against  thee,  how  much  have  we  done  wrong,  and 
omitted  to  do  of  right.  Looking  around  us,  we  see 
so  much  that  we  ought  to  do,  and  are  doing  so 
httle,  so  many  who  need,  and  we  so  poor  and  neg- 
ligent to  give.  Looking  within  us,  how  little  we 
find  of  faith,  love,  and  peace.  Dark,  stormy,  and 
wild  are  our  thoughts  and  feelings,  too  often,  —  how 
seldom  filled  with  the  sense  of  thy  mercies  and  love. 
Looking  before  us,  what  can  we  hope  ?  We  can 
hope  nothing  away  from  thee,  or  without  thee.  In 
thee  alone,  God  of  our  life,  is  our  hope ;  in  thee 
alone,  through  thy  Son  our  Saviour.  In  thee 
alone,  through  the  power  of  redemption  and  par- 
don in  him.     In  thee,  in  thee,  Infinite  Love,  abyss 


204  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

of  mercy,  ever-flowing  Fountain,  inexhaustible  in 
grace,  —  in  thee  we  will  trust,  hope,  and  have  rest. 
Help  us  to  trust  and  be  forgiven,  to  trust  and  be 
saved,  to  trust  now  and  forever.     Amen. 

Evening. 

FATHER  of  an  infinite  majesty!  Father  of 
mercies  unceasing  and  unalterable !  Laden 
with  another  day's  experience  of  thy  goodness,  we 
gather  ourselves  around  thy  mercy-seat.  As  this 
lower  world  sinks  into  the  shadow,  and  the  upper 
world  of  light  unfolds  itself,  and  we  see  the  hand  of 
power  and  wisdom  revealed  in  the  wonders  above 
us,  and  feel  the  hand  of  a  tender  providence  draw- 
ing the  curtain  of  the  night  around  us,  and  laid 
upon  our  heads  in  benediction,  O  our  holy  Father, 
the  sense  of  thy  greatness  and  of  thy  goodness  fills 
our  souls  at  once  with  gratitude  and  with  sorrow. 
We  feel  how  poorly  we  have  prized  and  used  the 
opportunities  of  good  which  thou  hast  this  day  lent 
us,  how  often  we  have  sent  back  thine  angels  and 
grieved  away  thy  Holy  Spirit,  how  often  we  have 
suffered  the  vanities  of  this  world  to  hide  from  us 
the  beauty  of  holiness,  and  the  vexations  of  life  to 
drown  the  voice  of  wisdom  in  our  hearts. 

But,  O  long-suffering  and  tenderly  faithful  Par- 
ent, we  feel  in  the  hush  of  this  evening  hour  the 
voice  of  Jesus  whispering  of  One  who  is  not  will- 


INWARD  PEACE.  206 

mg  that  a:jy  child  of  his  should  perish.  By  thy 
restraining  grace,  not  yet  has  the  false  light  of  evil 
passion  nor  the  dismal  shadow  of  unbelief  quite  hid 
from  us  the  glories  of  thy  kingdom.  O  may  thy 
goodness  lead  us  to  repentance.  Breathe  thy  peace 
into  our  hearts.  Gather  us  under  the  shadow  of 
thy  everlasting  wings,  and  may  this  eventide  be 
light  round  about  us,  and  grant  us  a  sweet  foretaste 
of  that  rest  which  remaineth  for  the  people  of  God. 
Amen, 


INTTJRD  PEACE. 

We  ask  for  peace^  0  Lord! 

Thy  children  a^k  thy  peace  ; 
Not  what  the  world  calls  rest, 

That  toil  and  care  should  cease. 

We  ask  thy  peace,  0  Lord  I 
Through  storm,  and  fear,  and  strife^ 

To  light  and  guide  us  on 

Through  a  long  struggling  life. 

A.  A.  Procter. 

O,  how  great  peace  and  quietness  should  he  possess,  that 
would  cut  off  all  vain  anxiety,  and  think  only  upon  divine 
things,  and  such  as  are  profitable  for  his  soul,  and  would  placa 
all  his  confidence  in  God.  —  A  Kempis. 


206  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

Mark  the  perfect  man,  and  behold  the  upright,  for  the  end 
of  that  man  is  peace. 

Peace  does  not  dwell  in  outward  things,  but  within  tho 
soul.  We  may  preserve  it  in  the  midst  of  the  bitterest  pain, 
if  our  will  remain  firm  and  submissive. 

Peace  in  this  life  springs  from  acquiescence  even  in  disagree- 
able things,  not  in  an  exemption  from  suffering.  —  Fenelon. 

Great  peace  have  they  which  love  thy  law;  and  nothing 
shall  offend  them. 

Put  on  charity,  which  is  the  bond  of  perfectness,  and  let 
the  peace  of  God  rule  in  your  hearts. 

Resign  every  forbidden  joy ;  restrain  every  wish  tjiat  is  not 
referred  to  His  will;  banish  all  eager  desires,  all  anxiety. 
Desire  only  the  will  of  God;  seek  him  alone,  and  you  will 
find  peace ;  you  shall  enjoy  it  in  spite  of  the  world.  —  Fenelon. 

The  peace  of  God,  which  passeth  all  understanding,  shall 
keep  your  hearts  and  minds  through  Christ  Jesus. 

The  work  of  righteousness  shall  be  peace ;  and  the  effect 
of  righteousness,  quietness  and  assurance  forever. 

There  is  no  peace,  saith  my  God,  to  the  wicked. 

The  fruit  of  righteousness  is  sown  in  peace  of  them  that 
make  peace. 

Thou  wilt  keep  him  in  perfect  peace  whose  mind  is  stayed 
on  thee ;  because  he  trusteth  in  thee. 

When  he  giveth  quietness,  who  then  can  make  trouble  ? 


Morning, 

FATHER  in  heaven,  whom  thine  own  heaven 
of  blessedness  cannot  remove  from  us  thine 
t-^-arthly  creatures,  we  beseech  thee  to  grant  unto  us 


INWARD  PEACE.  207 

tho  peace  that  tins  world  cannot  bestow.  We  mar- 
vel sometimes  that  we  are  so  much  troubled,  that 
clouds  gather  over  our  fortunes,  anxieties  invade 
our  hearts,  and  bereavements  darken  our  homes. 
We  will  not  deny  that  there  is  to  us  frequent  mys- 
tery in  thy  dealings  with  us.  Yet  we  bless  thee,  O 
God,  that  thy  way  is  justified  every  day  more  and 
more  by  the  hand  of  thy  providence,  and  light  ris- 
eth  in  the  midst  of  darkness  to  us  according  as  we 
keep  thy  law  and  trust  in  thy  love. 

We  rejoice  that  thou  hast  taught  us  that  there  is 
more  good  in  store  for  us  than  what  the  world  calls 
pleasure,  happiness,  and  success.  We  bless  thee, 
that,  through  trial  and  disappointment  and  mor- 
tification, we  are  led  to  seek  abiding  peace,  and 
through  the  cross  of  suffering  we  may  win  the 
crown  of  joy.  We  give  thee  thanks  for  thy  com- 
forting spirit  in  the  former  seasons  of  our  own  dark- 
ness, and  beseech  thee  to  sustain  and  guide  us  in  all 
time  to  come. 

Enable  us.  Almighty  and  All-Merciful,  so  to  con- 
trol and  school  our  senses  as  to  keep  us  from  in- 
flaming passions  and  debasing  indulgences.  Help 
us  so  to  order  our  lives  as  to  meet  our  cares  by  due 
method,  and  do  our  work  and  bear  our  burdens 
without  indolence  or  distraction.  In  all  our  rela- 
tions with  kindred,  friends,  and  the  world,  may  we 
have  a  kindly  and  earnest  and  even  temper,  so  as 
to  walk  in  the  love  that  thinketh  no  evil  and  be- 
lieveth  in  all  good. 


208  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

And,  O  our  Father,  more  than  for  any  earthly 
gift  or  human  solace,  we  pray  for  the  presence  and 
help  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  the  Heavenly  Comforter, 
that  we  may  have  the  indwelling  peace  of  filial 
faith  and  obedience  and  communion  that  is  the 
blessed  life  of  the  children  of  God.  Graciously 
hear  us,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen, 

EVENING. 

DEAR  Father  in  Heaven  I  Thy  strong  and 
gentle  hand  hath  led  us  during  another  of  thy 
days,  and  our  hearts  are  drawn  to  thee  in  thankful 
acknowledgments  of  thy  sweet  grace.  Bless  the 
Lord,  O  our  souls!  How  thy  mercies  have  been 
multiplied  upon  us,  as  we  have  gone  about  in  thy 
strength,  and  under  thy  large  and  loving  provi- 
dence, and  with  endeavors  to  obey  thee,  to  serve 
our  brethren  and  friends,  and  to  do  the  nearest 
duty.  O  Lord,  we  know  that  every  labor  of  love, 
even  the  least,  is  remembered  by  thee  ;  and  if  we 
liave  been  permitted  this  day  to  do  the  humblest 
work  in  the  spirit  of  our  dear  Lord  and  Saviour,  we 
bless  thee,  our  soul's  Light  and  Life,  we  thank  thee 
that  we  have  been  suffered  to  share  in  any  measure 
with  Him  who  hath  redeemed  us,  and  is  calling  us 
with  a  heavenly  calling.  Help  us  to  live  nearer  to 
thee,  and  in  a  better  obedience.  If  at  any  time  we 
have  failed  to  heed  thy  summons,  and  have  gone 


INWARD  PEACE.  209 

away  to  please  ourselves,  may  we  heartily  repent, 
and  be  found  henceforth  in  thy  vineyard,  laboring 
in  his  service,  and  for  the  love  of  him  who  said, 
"  My  Father  worketh  hitherto,  and  I  work."  May 
our  light  so  shine  before  men,  that  they,  seeing  our 
good  works,  may  glorify  thee,  and  follow  us  in  our 
following  of  Christ.  In  all  humility,  and  deeply 
sensible  of  our  unworthiness,  we  do  pray  that  we 
may  show  forth  and  complete  our  faith  by  our 
works.  O  God,  let  us  never  forget  that  the  night 
Cometh  in  which  no  man  can  work.  Guardian  of 
our  bodies  and  of  our  souls,  we  commend  ourselves 
to  thy  watchful  care  during  the  hours  of  darkness 
and  of  slumber.  Thou  sendest  sleep  to  thy  be- 
loved, that  they  may  serve  thee  the  better  when 
the  sun  shall  again  shine  upon  our  pathways.  May 
we  rest,  only  that  we  may  the  more  earnestly  labor. 
In  the  arms  of  thy  dear  Christ  may  the  souls  of 
our  loved  ones  repose.  Shield  them  from  all  harm, 
even  from  the  very  thought  of  evil,  and  when  days 
and  nights  shall  all  be  ended,  pour  upon  us  of  the 
light  of  that  sun  which  shall  never  more  go  down, 
and  may  he  who  is  in  the  midst  of  the  throne  ever- 
more lead  us  and  feed  us,  and  unto  thy  great  name, 
O  thou  Father  of  the  Christ,  shall  be  the  glory. 
Amen, 


210  ALTAR  AT  HOME 


LI 


TRUST  IN  GOD, 

ITie  God  of  love  my  shepherd  w, 

And  he  that  doth  me  feed: 
While  he  is  mine^  and  I  am  his, 

What  can  I  want  or  need  ? 

Herbert. 

Put  thy  trust  in  God ;  let  him  be  thy  fear  and  thy  love ; 
he  shall  answer  for  thee,  and  will  do  in  all  things  what  is  best 
for  thee.  —  A  Kempis. 

It  is  better  to  put  trust  In  God  than  to  put  confidence  in 
man. 

Some  trust  in  chariots,  and  some  in  horses;  but  we  will 
remember  the  name  of  the  Lord  our  God. 

Trust  not  in  uncertain  riches,  but  in  the  living  God,  who 
giveth  us  richly  all  things  to  enjoy. 

Let  us  set  no  bounds  to  our  confidence  in  God.  Let  us 
repress  all  eagerness,  all  inquietude.  He  who  trusts  in  God 
becomes  immovable  as  Mount  Zion.  —  Fenelon. 

In  thee,  therefore,  O  Lord  God,  I  place  my  whole  hope  and 
refuge;  on  thee  I  rest  all  my  tribulation  and  anguish;  for 
I  find  all  to  be  weak  and  inconstant,  whatsoever  I  behold 
out  of  thee.  —  A  Kempis. 

For  many  friends  cannot  profit,  nor  strong  helpers  assist, 
nor  prudent  counsellors  give  a  profitable  answer,  nor  the 
books  of  the  learned  afford  comfort,  nor  any  precious  sub- 
stance deliver,  nor  any  place,  however  retired  and  loveiy, 
give  shelter,  unless  thou  dost  assist,  help,  strengthen,  console, 
instruct,  and  guard  us.  —  A  Kempis. 


TRUST  IN  GOD.  211 

Without  God,  our  existence  has  no  support,  our  life  no  aim, 
our  improvements  no  permanence,  our  best  labors  no  sure 
and  enduring  results.  —  Channing. 

Trust  in  the  Lord,  and  do  good ;  so  shalt  thou  dwell  in  the 
land,  and  verily  thou  shalt  be  fed. 

How  excellent  is  thy  loving-kindness,  O  God  I  therefore 
the  children  of  men  put  their  trust  under  the  shadow  of  thy 
wings. 

Blessed  is  the  man  that  trusteth  in  the  Lord,  and  whose 
hope  the  Lord  is. 

For  he  shall  be  as  a  tree  planted  by  the  waters. 

The  Lord  redeemeth  the  soul  of  his  servants ;  and  none  of 
them  that  trust  in  him  shall  be  desolate. 

Trust  in  the  Lord  forever ;  for  the  Lord  Jehovah  is  ever- 
lasting strength. 

Wait  on  the  Lord;  be  of  good  courage,  and  he  shall 
strengthen  thine  heart. 

Morning. 

OTHOU  most  holy  and  ever-loving  God,  we 
thank  thee  once  more  for  the  quiet  rest  of  the 
night  that  has  gone  by,  for  the  new  promise  that 
has  come  with  this  fresh  morning,  and  for  the  hope 
of  this  day.  While  we  have  slept,  the  world  in 
which  we  live  has  swept  on  in  its  awful  space,  great 
fires  have  burned  under  us,  great  waters  have  been 
all  about  us,  and  great  storms  above  us ;  but  thou 
hast  held  them  back  by  thy  strong  hand,  and  we 


212  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

have  rested  under  the  shadow  of  thy  love.  The 
bird  sat  on  the  spray  out  in  the  darkness,  the  flower 
nestled  in  the  grass,  we  lay  down  in  our  home,  and 
all  slept  in  the  arms  of  God.  The  bird  will  trust 
thee  this  day  to  give  its  morsel  of  meat,  and  the 
flower  will  trust  thee  for  its  fresh  raiment ;  so  may 
we  trust  thee  this  day  for  all  the  needs  of  the  body, 
the  soul,  and  the  spirit.  Give  us  this  day  our  daily 
bread.  O  Father,  this  day  may  bring  some  hard 
task  to  our  life,  or  some  hard  trial  to  our  love.  We 
may  grow  weary,  or  sad,  or  hopeless  in  our  lot. 
But,  Father,  our  whole  life  until  now  has  been  one 
great  proof  of  thy  care.  Bread  has  come  for  our 
body,  thoughts  to  our  mind,  love  to  our  heart,  and 
all  from  thee.  So  help  us,  we  implore  thee,  while 
we  stand  still  on  this  side  of  all  that  the  day  may 
bring,  and  while  we  are  strong  and  quiet  from  the 
baptism  of  the  night,  to  resolve  that  we  will  trust 
thee  this  day  to  shine  into  any  gloom  of  the  mind, 
to  stand  by  us  in  any  trial  of  our  love,  and  to  give 
us  rest  in  thy  good  time  as  we  need. 

May  this  day  be  full  of  a  power  that  shall  bring 
us  near  to  thee,  and  make  us  more  like  thee ;  and, 
O  God,  may  we  so  trust  thee  this  day,  that  when 
the  day  is  done  our  trust  shall  be  firmer  than  ever. 
Then  when  our  last  day  comes,  and  our  work  is 
done,  nay  we  trust  thee  in  death  and  forever,  in 
the  spirit  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen, 


TRUST  IN   GOD.  '213 

Evening. 

0  GLORIOUS  and  ever-blessed  God,  —  whose 
word  called  all  things  into  being,  by  whom  all 
things  exist,  whose  attributes  are  beyond  all  our 
powers  of  thought,  —  how  should  we  dare  in  our 
ignorance  and  our  weakness  to  call  upon  thee,  how 
dare  hope  that  thou  wouldst  regard  our  prayer, 
hadst  thou  not  thyself  called  us  thy  children,  and 
bidden  us  come  unto  thee  as  unto  a  father.  Pour 
out  upon  us  now,  we  beseech  thee,  tlie  spirit  of 
adoption,  that  we  may  truly  and  earnestly  repent 
of  our  past  ingratitude  to  thee,  and  of  all  our  sins 
against  each  other,  and  against  any  of  our  fellow- 
men  ;  and  that  we "  may  lie  down  to  rest  in  the 
calm  assurance  that  our  sins  are  forgiven,  that  we 
have  been  accepted  in  the  Beloved,  and  that  we 
have  been  born  again,  —  born  of  God,  adopted  by 
thee  into  the  new  household  which  is  ♦named  of 
Christ. 

O  Lord,  we  confess  the  boldness  of  our  prayers, 
but  we  know  that  perfect  love  casteth  out  fear,  and 
we  pray  that  we  may  be  perfected  in  love.  We 
know  that  we  are  not  worthy  to  ask  aught  of  thee, 
but  we  also  rejoice  to  know  that  thou  art  ever  ready 
to  give  good  gifts  to  those  who  ask  in  penitence  and 
faith  ;  and  that  thou  wilt  cause  all  things  to  work 
together  for  good  to  them  that  love  thee. 

Overshadow  us,  O  Father,  and  all  for  whom  we 


214  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

in  our  hearts  would  pray,  continually  with  thy  lov- 
ing presence.  Let  there  be  no  night  in  our  hearts, 
but  may  we  ever  have  the  light  of  thy  countenance 
shining  upon  us.  Make  us  strong  to  rejoice  in 
doing  or  in  bearing  whatsoever  thou  mayst  require 
of  us,  and  grant  that,  when  the  evening  of  life  comes 
to  us,  we  may  each  one,  surely  trusting  in  thy  love, 
lie  down  in  hope  of  awaking  transformed  in  the 
glorious  image  of  Him  through  whom  we  would 
offer  every  prayer.     Amen, 


LII. 

J  CONSCIENCE  VOID  OF  OFFENCE, 

*   Quick  as  the  apple  of  an  eye, 

0  God  !  my  conscience  make ; 

Awake  my  soul  when  sin  is  nigh, 

And  keep  it  stUl  awake. 

C.  Wesley. 

The  glory  of  the  good  Is  in  their  consciences,  and  not  in  the 
tongues  of  men.  The  gladness  of  the  just  is  of  God,  and  in 
God;  and  their  joy  is  of  the  truth. — A  Kempis. 

When  the  Gentiles,  which  have  not  the  law,  do  by  nature 
the  things  contained  in  the  law,  these  having  not  the  law,  are 
a  law  unto  themselves. 

Which  show  the  work  of  the  law  Avritten  in  their  hearts, 


A  CONSCIENCE  VOID  OF  OFFENCE.     215 

their  conscience  also  bearing  witness,  and  their  thoughts  the 
meanwhile  accusing  or  else  excusing  one  another. 

That  the  eye  of  conscience  may  be  always  quick  and  lively, 
let  constant  use  be  sure  to  keep  it  constantly  open,  and  there- 
by ready  and  prepared  to  admit  and  let  in  those  heavenly 
beams  which  are  always  streaming  forth  from  (jod  upon 
minds  fitted  to  receive  them.  —  5om^^.  ^ 

Now  the  end  of  the  commandment  is  charity  out  of  a  pure 
heart,  and  of  a  good  conscience,  and  of  faith  unfeigned. 

Bless  me  in  this  life  with  but  peace  of  my  conscience,  com- 
mand of  my  affections,  the  love  of  thyself  and  my  dearest 
friends,  and  I  shall  be  happy.  —  Sir  Thomas  Browne. 

Our  rejoicing  is  this,  the  testimony  of  our  conscience,  that 
in  simplicity  and  godly  sincerity,  not  with  fleshly  wisdom,  but 
by  the  grace  of  God,  we  have  had  our  conversation  in  this 
world. 

If  our  heart  condemn  us  not,  then  have  we  confidence 
towards  God. 

Let  me  rather  choose  to  die,  than  to  sin  against  my  con- 
science. —  Wilson, 


Morning. 

INFINITE  and  lioly  God,  in  this  morning  light 
we  would  come  to  thee  with  our  offering  of 
grateful  worship.  Whom  have  we  in  heaven  but 
thee  ;  and  there  is  none  upon  earth  that  we  can 
desire  in  comparison '  with  thee.  We  thank  thee, 
Heavenly  Father,  for  this  new  day,  the  gift  of  thy 
love,  the  accepted  time,  the  day  of  salvation.     Our 


216  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

duties  wait  for  us  ;  the  work  given  us  to  do  requires 
all  our  strength.  Father,  help  us  to  work  in  such  a 
spirit  of  devotedness  and  trust,  with  such  singleness 
of  purpose,  that  our  life  may  all  be  in  harmony 
with  thy  mighty  agencies.  May  we  work  in  such 
wisdom,  and  with  such  reference  to  thy  will,  that 
what  we  seek  we  shall  find.  A  pure  and  unsullied 
conscience,  may  we  possess  it ;  the  Christ-like 
spirit,  may  it  be  our  inspiration.  To-day  may  we 
have  faith  to  commit  ourselves  to  Christian  prin- 
ciples, and  follow  the  Master.  Though  appetite 
and  sense  should  crave  indulgence ;  though  the 
world  should  tempt,  or  frown  and  threaten  ;  though 
doubts  and  fears  should  rise  up  against  us ;  may  we 
dare  to  do  right,  and  be  strong  to  rise  above  sin, 
O,  to-day  may  we  have  Jesus  at  our  side,  as  a 
mighty  brother  to  counsel  us,  and  with  deep  spir- 
itual sympathies  to  uplift  us.  With  our  hand  in 
his,  we  cannot  go  astray  ;  with  our  eye  upon  the 
beauty  of  his  holiness,  we  cannot  fail  to  hunger  and 
thirst  after  righteousness. 

O  God,  chasten  and  sanctify  the  eager,  anxious 
thoughts  and  desires  of  the  business  world ;  may  all 
learn  what  it  means  to  seek  first  the  kingdom  of 
God  and  his  righteousness,  trusting  that  all  these 
things  shall  be  added.  Help  us  to  make  thy  will 
our  rule  of  duty,  to  be  fellow-laborers  with  thee, 
and  so  to  have  Omnipotence  for  our  stay  and  sup- 
port. O  S3ve  us  from  temptations  that  might  over- 
power us.     Lead  us  in  the  way  we  should  go. 


A  CONSCIENCE  VOID  OF  OFFENCE.     217 

Father  of  forgiving  mercy,  save  us  from  our  sins, 
and  strengthen  us  to  be  pure  and  noble  and  holy, 
like  thy  Son.  As  his  disciples,  we  wait  for  thy 
blessing,  and  render  to  thee  praise  and  thanksgiving 
for  ever  and  ever.     Amen, 


Evening. 

INFINITE  Being  of  justice  and  truth,  who  bold- 
est nations  and  men  fast  bound  by  thine  eternal 
law,  amid  the  solemn  stillness  of  night  we  humbly 
bow  in  confession  of  thy  majesty  and  our  depend- 
ence, of  thy  goodness  and  our  un worthiness.  As 
the  shadows  gather  about  us,  we  would  commune 
with  thee,  and  be  still.  Beneath  thine  all-seeing  eye, 
who  knowest  us  better  than  we  know  ourselves,  we 
would  examine  our  souls.  Search  thou  our  hearts 
and  try  our  thoughts ;  see  if  there  be  any  wicked 
way  in  us,  and  lead  us  in  the  way  everlasting. 

We  thank  thee  for  that  departing  light  which  has 
made  the  world  glorious  to  our  sight  this  day,  re- 
vealing the  tokens  of  thy  love  on  every  hand. 
Still  more  we  praise  thee  for  that  inner  light  which 
lightens  every  man  that  cometh  into  the  world, 
which  shines  in  immortal  glory  from  saintly  souls, 
illumining  the  path  of  the  divine  life,  and  revealing 
the  riches  of  the  spiritual  world.  Quicken  thou 
our  inward  vision.  Give  us  the  purity  of  heart 
that  shall  see  thee.     By  faith  may  we  behold  the 

10 


218  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

eternal  realities  for  which  we  should  live  and  labor. 
By  the  teaching  of  thy  word,  by  the  spirit  of 
Christ,  and  by  daily  experience  may  our  conscience 
be  trained  clearly  to  discern  through  all  perplexities 
the  way  of  duty.  Grant  us  quick  moral  sense  to 
detect  and  repel  all  lurking  sin,  and  to  discover  and 
obey  the  right.  May  no  delusion  of  outward  sense 
betray  us  to  put  error  for  truth  or  choose  evil  for 
good. 

Every  day  teaches  us  that  we  are  not  sufficient 
unto  ourselves.  Followino;  our  own  desires  too 
readily,  we  stray  from  the  strait  path  that  leadeth 
unto  life.  Trusting  on  our  own  strength,  we  falter 
and  fail.  Only  in  thy  light  can  we  see  light.  In 
thee  only  is  our  strength  and  safety.  Accept  and 
bless  the  humble  efforts  to  serve  thee  which  this 
day  has  witnessed.  Pity  our  frailties  and  forgive 
our  sins.  May  past  success  encourage  us  to  re- 
newed endeavor  ;  may  past  failure  admonish  us  to 
cleave  more  closely  to  the  strictest  rule  of  right. 
In  future  peril  be  thou,  O  God,  our  safeguard  and 
shield.  Keep  our  feet  far  from  the  paths  that  lead 
to  destruction.  Make  us  superior  to  temptation. 
Through  all  coming  days  may  we  maintain  con- 
sciences void  of  offence  toward  thee  and  our  fellow- 
man.  Let  the  setting  sun  find  no  anger  or  aliena- 
tion in  our  hearts  toward  any  brother.  Forgiving, 
as  we  hope  to  be  forgiven ;  forbearing  one  another's 
faults,  since  none  is  perfect,  may  we,  as  far  as  con- 


GIVEN  TO  HOSPITALITY.  219 

sistent  with  purity  and  truth,  Hve  peaceably  with  all 
men.  Offending  none  by  thought,  word,  or  deed, 
reconciled  to  all,  proving  by  brotherly  love  our  love 
toward  thee,  let  the  incense  of  our  grateful  and  obe- 
dient hearts  rise  to  thy  throne  and  bring  all  needed 
blessing  down.  We  commit  ourselves  and  commend 
our  brethren  to  thy  fatherly  providence.  Refresh 
us  for  the  duties  which  another  day  shall  bring. 
Prepare  us  for  the  everlasting  morning,  where,  in 
higher  service,  we  may  live  to  thy  glory.     Amen, 


LIII. 
GIVEN   TO   HOSPITALITY 

By  Thy  pitying  spirit  guided ^ 
Jesus  sought  the  sufferer's  door; 

Comfort  for  the  poor  provided 
And  the  mourner's  sorrows  bore. 

Father,  as  thy  love  is  endless, 

Working  by  thy  servants  thus, 
The  forsaken  and  the  friendless 

Deign  to  visit,  e'en  by  us. 

PlERPONT. 

{Jse  hospitality  one  to  another  without  grudging. 

When  thou  makest  a  dinner  or  a  supper,  call  not  thy  friendi 
nor  thy  brethien,  neither  thy  kinsmen,  nor  thy  rich  neigh 


220  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

bors;  lest  they  also  bid  thee  again,  and  a  recompimse  be 
made  thee. 

But  when  thou  makest  a  feast,  call  the  poor,  the  maimed, 
the  lame,  the  blind. 

And  thou  shalt  be  blessed;  for  they  cannot  recompenae 
thee;  for  thou  shalt  be  recompensed  at  the  resurrection  of 
the  just. 

Blessed  is  he  that  considereth  the  poor:  the  Lord  will 
deliver  him  in  time  of  trouble. 

Be  not  forgetful  to  entertain  strangers:  for  thereby  some 
have  entertained  angels  unawares. 

Exercise  the  duties  of  hospitality,  kindly  and  continually , 
not  receiving  strangers  with  that  cold  and  ceremonious  polite- 
ness which  exists  only  upon  the  lips,  but  affectionately.  — 
St.  Jerome. 

When  thou  seest  misery  in  thy  brother's  face,  let  him  see 
mercy  in  thine  eye :  the  more  the  oil  of  mercy  is  poured  on 
him  by  thy  pity,  the  more  the  oil  in  thy  cruse  shall  be  in- 
creased. —  Quarks. 

Mercy  is  more  acceptable  to  God,  than  all  sacrifices. — 
St.  Chrysosiom. 

If  thine  enemy  hunger,  feed  him;  if  he  thirst,  give  him 
drink;  for  in  so  doing  thou  shalt  heap  coals  of  fire  on  his 
head. 

Morning. 

("^  IVER  of  all  good,  and  Fountain  of  all  joy, 
T  what  rich  feasts  for  our  senses  and  our  souls 
does  thy  fatherly  love  offer  anew  with  each  re- 
turning morning.     How  hast  thou  filled  the  earth 


GIVEN  TO  HOSPITALITY.  221 

with  bounty  and  adorned  it  with  beauty  for  our 
benefit.  We  see  thy  mercy  freshly  revealed  in  the 
light  and  privilege  of  this  new  day.  Again  we 
hear  thy  gracious  invitations  to  come  up  higher  and 
enjoy  the  felicity  of  heavenly  things. 

Thanks  we  give  thee  for  the  returning  light  and 
our  daily  bread ;  for  home  and  health  and  friends  ; 
for  the  instructions  of  thy  truth  and  the  opportuni- 
ties of  thy  service ;  for  repeated  warnings  against 
i.in,  and  the  ample  rewards  that  crown  our  fidelity  ; 
for  the  sweet  and  kindly  ties  that  bind  us  one  to 
another,  and  the  pure  affections  that  spring  up  in 
our  hearts,  fountains  of  bliss  unspeakable  ;  for  all 
that  renders  this  world  a  pleasant  home,  and  fits  us 
for  the  hfe  to  come. 

Teach  us,  O  Father,  to  imitate  thine  own  bound- 
less beneficence.  Freely  as  we  have  received,  so 
freely  may  we  give.  We  would  not  selfishly  appro- 
priate thy  favor,  but  would  know  the  deeper  bliss 
of  ministering  to  others'  needs.  Quicken  within  us 
the  fountains  of  generosity  ;  warm  our  sympathies 
toward  the  sufferer  of  every  class  and  clime  ;  let 
no  unbrotherly  prejudice  ever  close  our  homes  or 
hearts  against  any  child  of  thine.  May  our  faith 
in  Christ  be  no  empty  profession,  but  lead  us  to 
honor  him  in  the  persons  of  the  sick,  the  impris- 
oned, the  unfortunate,  —  his  brethren  and  ours. 
Following  in  the  footsteps  of  his  self-denial  and 
brotherly  service,  may  we  become  the  almoners  of 
thy  bounty  and  saviours  of  sou^g. 


222  ALTAR  AT  HOMh. 

Wlien  Truth  knocks  at  the  door  of  our  liearts, 
may  no  indifference  or  prejudice  forbid  its  entrance, 
but  as  an  angel  visitant  may  it  find  hospitable  wel- 
come. Gladly  would  we  hail  every  message  from 
heaven,  however  severe  the  toil  or  costly  the  sac- 
rifice to  which  it  calls  us.  To  thy  messengers, 
whether  of  joy  or  grief,  of  life  or  death,  we  would 
lend  attentive  ear.  And  to  the  heavenly  visions 
thou  showest  us  may  we  never  prove  disobedient. 

Father,  forgive  us  as  we  forgive  those  who  wrong 
us.  Keep  us  this  day  without  sin,  and  may  its 
passing  hours  render  us  more  worthy  of  thy  love. 
Let  thy  kind  providence  extend  to  those  near  and 
dear  to  us,  and  to  all  for  whom  we  should  pray. 
And  may  the  time  speedily  come  when  thy  glory 
shall  fill  the  world  as  the  waters  fill  the  sea. 
Amen. 

Evening. 

OGOD,  we  gather  and  bend  before  thee  again 
in  this  good  home,  where  we  dwell  in  peace  and 
in  plenty.  The  power  to  make  this  home  is  from 
thee ;  the  power  to  sustain  it  is  from  thee.  Thou 
hast  made  us  to  differ  from  the  homeless  by  thy 
pure'  mercy  ;  by  thy  will  our  life  is  strong ;  by  thy 
will  we  fade  away  into  bare  need,  and  cry  to  thee 
for  bread.  Father,  hast  thou  not  made  us  to  differ 
that  we  may  give  unto  others  as  thou  hast  given 


GIVEN   TO  HOSPITALITY.  223 

anto  us  ?  Deepen,  we  beseech  thee,  our  sense  of 
thy  great  bounty  ;  help  us  to  see  why  we  are  so 
blessed.  May  w^e  know  that  these  good  things  are 
given  for  great  and  generous  uses.  The  poor  we 
have  always  with  us  ;  the  stranger  comes  to  our 
door ;  friends  dwell  near  us  whose  life  will  be  more 
clieerful  if  they  may  freely  enter  with  us  into  this 
cheerful  place.  O  grant  that  thy  spirit  may  touch 
us,  so  that  we  may  gladly  give  of  our  bread  to 
them  that  hungcer,  and  our  shelter  to  the  Son  of 
Man  who  has  not  where  to  lay  his  head.  May  we 
know  that  in  all  guises  thine  angels  come  to  us,  and 
grow  radiant  only  after  they  are  gone.  And  may 
we  make  the  presence  of  our  home  felt  all  about  us, 
in  this  place  where  we  dwell ;  may  no  sect  or  party 
name  ever  close  our  hearts  and  our  home  to  the 
good,  of  any  name  or  nation.  So  may  these  fruits 
of  good  living  in  all  pureness  make  this  dwelling  to 
all  what  thou  hast  made  it  to  us,  as  the  house  of 
God  and  the  very  gate  of  heaven.  Then,  being 
faithful  in  our  few  things,  may  we  know  that  thou 
hast  said,  "  Well  done,"  and  enter  into  thy  joy, 
through  Jesus  Christ.     Amen, 


224  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 


LIV. 
CONFORMITY  TO  THE  WILL  OF  GOD. 

The  best  ivUl  is  our  Father*s  wiUy 

And  we  may  rest  there  calm  and  still; 

Oy  make  it  hour  by  hour  thine  owuy 

And  wish  for  naught  but  that  alone 

Which  pleaseth  God. 

Paul  Geshardt. 

Christ  said,  Whosoever  shall  do  the  will  of  God,  the  same  ii 
my  brother,  and  my  sister  and  mother. 

Teach  me,  O  Lord,  to  do  thy  will ;  teach  me  to  live  worthily 
and  humbly  in  thy  sight ;  for  thou  art  my  wisdom,  thou  dost 
truly  know  me.  —  A  Kempis. 

Let  us  desire  that  God's  will  be  done,  and  only  his,  and 
we  shall  make  a  heaven  of  earth.  —  Fenelon. 

All  men  are  members  of  one  body,  and,  in  order  to  be 
happy,  it  is  necessary  they  should  conform  their  own  private 
wills  to  that  universal  will  which  governs  the  whole  body.  — 
Pascal, 

For  this  is  the  will  of  God,  even  your  sanctification. 

May  we  no  longer  follow  our  own  inclinations,  but  may  we 
not  only  pray,  and  teach,  and  suffer,  but  eat,  drink,  and  eon- 
verse,  —  do  all  things,  with  reference  to  his  will.  —  Fenelon.  • 

Not  with  eye-service  as  men-pleasers ;  but  as  the  servants 
of  Christ,  doing  the  will  of  God  from  the  heart. 

For  in  truth,  the  reason  why  sin  is  sin,  is  merely  because 
it  is  contrary  to  the  will  of  God.     If,  therefore,  when  he  dis- 


CONFORMITY  TO  THE  WILL  OF  GOD.    225 

covers  his  will  to  us  by  events,  we  sin  if  we  do  not  conform 
ourselves  to  it.  —  Pascal. 

Be  not  conformed  to  this  world ;  but  be  ye  transformed  by 
the  renewing  of  your  mind,  that  ye  may  prove  what  is  that 
good  and  acceptable  and  perfect  will  of  God. 

It  is  better,  if  the  will  of  God  be  so,  that  ye  suffer  for  well- 
doing than  for  evil-doing. 

Teach  me  to  do  thy  will ;  for  thou  art  my  Grod :  thy  Spirit 
is  good ;  lead  me  into  the  land  of  uprightness. 

Morning. 

OTHOU  whose  sleepless  providence  shelters 
and  sustains  us  through  darkness  and  danger, 
with  the  opening  morning  we  lift  our  hearts  to  thee 
in  gratitude  and  trust.  To  thy  service  we  would 
dedicate  our  time  and  talents,  asking  renewed  light 
and  strength  for  all  our  needs.  Father,  fill  us  with 
thine  own  spirit  of  justice,  mercy,  and  truth.  May 
thy  will  be  ours  in  duty  and  in  trial,  and  in  ac- 
quaintance with  thee  let  our  souls  find  peace. 

Borne  up  in  the  arms  of  thy  loving-kindness, 
never  forgotten,  but  cared  for  with  more  than  an 
earthly  parent's  love,  we  would  look  to  thee  in  filial 
confidence,  beheving  that  thou  knowest  what  is  best 
for  us,  and  that  thou  doest  all  things  Well.  Teach 
us  that  when  we  disobey  thee  we  wrong  our  own 
souls ;  while,  to  those  who  faithfully  serve  thee, 
thou  bringest  better  results  than  we  can  foresee  or 
io#  o 


226  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

plan.  Profoundly  impress  it  upon  our  hearts,  that 
our  only  real  enemy  is  sin,  that  naught  can  harm 
us  but  our  own  wrong-doing,  that  all  things  work 
for  good  to  those  who  love  God. 

As  w^e  go  forth  this  day,  may  a  lively  sense  of 
duty  so  penetrate  and  sanctify  our  humblest  labors, 
that,  whether  we  eat  or  drink,  or  whatever  we  do, 
we  shall  live  to  thy  glory.  To  the  great  principles 
of  right  illustrated  in  Jesus  may  we  unreservedly 
commit  ourselves,  and  follow  without  faltering 
wherever  they  shall  show  the  way.  And  though 
they  summon  us  to  surrender  our  dearest  interests, 
may  we  willingly  give  up  all  outward  good  for  the 
richer  satisfactions  to  which  they  surely  lead. 

In  trial  or  grief  we  would  cheerfully  accept  what- 
ever lot  thou  shalt  ordain.  Do  with  us  as  thou 
wilt,  O  Lord.  Drawing  nigh  to  Jesus  by  faith,  may 
his  fidelity  and  submission  inspire  us  to  go  forth 
upon  our  Father's  work,  and,  when,  the  bitter  cup 
is  offered,  to  say,  "  Father,  thy  will,  not  mine,  be 
done."  And  whether  called  to  part  with  earthly 
treasure,  or  friends  dear  to  our  hearts,  still  may  we 
say,  "  The  Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  hath  taken 
away.     Blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord." 

Father,  forgive  our  sins  and  shortcomings,  and 
grant  those  things  thou  seest  we  need.  Hallowed 
be  thy  name.  Thy  kingdom  come,  thy  will  be 
done  on  earth  as  in  heaven.  Thine  is  the  kingdom, 
the  power,  and  the  glory,  forever.     Amen, 


CONFORMITY  TO  THE  WILL  OF  GOD.    ^2^21 

Evening. 

OGOD,  our  Heavenly  Father,  have  mercy  upon 
us.  Thou  knowest  our  hearts,  and  how  sorely 
wo  are  tried.  Have  pity  upon  us,  and  bring  us 
into  a  perfect  submission  to  thy  will.  Help  us 
always  to  accept  thy  will  as  the  highest  end  and 
law  of  life.  If  flesh  and  heart  are  weak,  be  thou 
our  strength  and  our  portion.  Grant  to  us  our 
daily  bread  ;  grant  health,  and  strength,  and  friends, 
and  all  the  earthly  comforts  that  we  need.  But  if, 
in  thy  richer  mercy  and  thy  more  comprehensive 
love,  thou  seest  fit  to  withdraw  thine  earthly  gifts, 
—  even  those  most  dear  and  precious  to  us,  —  help 
us  to  bear  the  loss  with  patient  and  thankful  sub- 
mission. Thou,  O  God,  didst  give,  and  thou  dost 
take  away,  blessed  be  thy  name.  Only  di^aw  us 
more  closely  to  thy  bosom.  Breathe  into  us  the 
spirit  of  thy  Son,  through  which  we  also  may  be 
lifted  above  our  earthly  griefs,  and,  in  our  sorest 
privations  and  afflictions,  each  one  of  us  may  say, 
I  thank  thee,  O  Father,  Lord  of  heaven  and 
earth ;  even  so.  Father,  for  so  it  seemed  good  in 
thy  sight.  So  may  each  earthly  loss  become  to  us 
a  heavenly  gain.  So  may  every  new  trial,  through 
thy  grace,  which  is  sufficient  for  us,  refine  and 
purify  our  hearts,  bring  us  into  closer  sympathy 
with  thee,  and,  transforming  us  more  and  more 
into   the   image    of  our  Lord,  prepare  us  for  that 


228  ALTAR  AT  HOME,  j 

world  where  there  shall  be  no  njore  sorrow  nor 
crying,  neither  any  more  pain,  and  where  God 
shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from  our  eyes,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen, 


LV. 
HELP   THOU  OUR    UNBELIEF. 

Father  I  when  o*er  our  trembling  hearts 

Doubt's  shadows  gathering  brood. 
When  faith  in  thee  almost  departs. 

And  gloomiest  fears  intrude; 
Forsake  us  not^  0  God  of  grace, 

But  send  those  fears  relief; 
Grant  us  again  to  see  thy  face; 

Lord,  help  our  unbelief 

BULPINCH. 

Jesus  saith  unto  them,  Have  faith  in  God. 

Take  heed,  lest  there  be  in  any  of  you  an  evil  heart  of 
unbelief,  in  departing  from  the  living  God. 

Foi'  the  gospel  of  Christ  is  the  power  of  Grod  unto  salvation 
to  every  one  that  believeth :  to  the  Jew  first,  and  also  to  the 
Greek. 

For  therein  is  the  righteousness  of  Grod  revealed  from  faith 
to  faith :  as  it  is  written.  The  just  shall  live  by  faith. 

Faith  must  lay  our  hearts  to  rest  in  the  will  of  God,  amid 
all  the  changes  of  life  and  death.  —  Baxter. 


HELP   THOU  OVR    UNBELIEF.  229 

I  say  unto  you,  What  things  soever  ye  desire  when  ye 
pray,  believe  that  ye  receive  them,  and  ye  shall  have  them. 

But  without  faith  it  is  impossible  to  please  God ;  for  he  that 
Cometh  to  him  must  believe  that  he  is,  and  that  he  is  a  re- 
warder  of  them  that  diligently  seek  him. 

Jesus  saith,  According  to  your  faith  be  it  unto  you. 

Trust  in  the  Living  God  who  is  the  Saviour  of  all  men, 
specially  of  those  who  believe. 

Verily  I  say  unto  you,  If  ye  have  faith  as  a  grain  of  mus- 
tard-seed, ye  shall  say  unto  this  mountain,  Remove  hence  to 
yonder  place,  and  it  shall  remove ;  and  nothing  shall  be  im- 
possible unto  you. 

In  Jesus  Christ  neither  circumcision  availeth  anything,  nor 
uncircumcision ;  but  faith  which  worketh  by  love. 

Lord,  increase  our  faith. 

Jesus  said.  If  thou  canst  believe,  all  things  are  possible  to 
him  that  believeth. 

Lord,  I  believe ;  help  thou  mine  unbelief. 

Morning. 

ALMIGHTY  God,  by  whose  goodness  we  again 
behold  the  morning  light,  we  desire  to  begin 
this  day  with  thee.  By  looking  up  unto  thee  in 
thankful  trust,  we  would  assure  our  souls  of  thy 
nearness  to  us,  and  renew  the  joy  and  peace  of  be- 
lieving. Amid  all  the  scenes  through  which  we  are 
called  to  pass  this  day,  let  our  minds  rest  trustingly 
and  peacefully  in  thee.     For  every  labor  and  duty 


230  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

may  we  receive  needed  strength  from  on  high. 
Suffer  us  not  to  be  led  into  any  new  temptation, 
nor  be  overcome  by  easily  besetting  sins.  Let  no 
pleasures  beguile  us  into  forgetfulness  of  thee.  Let 
no  disappointments  cause  us  for  a  moment  to  dis- 
trust thy  fatherly  goodness.  Let  no  irritations  pro- 
voke us  to  ano-er  or  to  fretfulness  ;  and  thouoh  clouds 
should  gather  in  our  sky,  may  there  be  a  clear  shin- 
ing of  thy  light  within  us.  As  thou  art  to  be  seen 
in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ,  yearning  with  pity  and 
love  to  the  children  of  men,  so  may  we  ever  behold 
thee;  and  may  this  blessed  manifestation  of  thy 
tender  compassions  awaken  in  each  of  our  bosoms 
continual  responses  of  gratitude,  submission,  and 
obedience.  May  no  events  ever  shake  our  faith  in 
thee,  but  may  our  daily  experience  confirm  and 
establish  it  more  and  more.  May  our  walk  with 
thee  be  so  close,  that  in  every  step  of  life  we  shall 
feel  that  thy  hand  is  leading  us.  Go  with  us,  we 
beseech  thee,  through  the  hours  of  this  day,  de- 
fending us  from  the  evil ;  and  so  rule  in  our  hearts 
by  thy  spirit,  that,  at  their  close,  we  may  have  the 
testimony  of  our  consciences  that  we  have  failed  in 
no  duty,  and  have  kept  ourselves  unspotted  from 
the  world. 

Unite  us  all  to  one  another  in  the  closest  bonds 
of  purity  and  affection ;  and  may  our  kindred  and 
friends,  wherever  their  lot  is  cast,  be  joint  partakers 
Mrith  us  in  the  blessings  of  thy  providence  and  the 


HELl'   THOU  OUR    UNBELIEF.  231 

riches  of  thy  grace.  Hear  us,  O  God,  we  humbly 
beseech  thee,  in  these  desires  and  petitions  of  our 
hearts,  and  accept  the  homage  of  our  unfeigned 
gratitude,  love,  and  praise,  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen, 

Evening. 

OTHOU  whose  gracious  power  has  this  day 
defended  us  from  evil,  and  whose  precious 
promise  is  that  thou  wilt  be  the  God  of  those  who 
shall  be  thy  people,  make  us  to  be  numbered  with 
thy  saints,  and  grant  that  we  may  ever  be  under 
the  guidance  of  thy  Spirit,  as  we  are  under  the  care 
of  thy  providence.  We  thank  thee  for  all  the  mer- 
cies that  thou  hast  bestowed  upon  us  hitherto,  and 
acknowledge  that  we  have  not  returned  unto  thee 
the  thanksgiving  of  obedience  as  we  ought.  O 
Father,  let  us  now  feel  the  fulfilment  of  the 
prophet's  word,  that  at  evening  time  it  shall  be  light ; 
and  may  the  clouds  that  have  arisen  and  hidden 
thy  throne  from  us  now  pass  away.  Sanctify  our 
hearts,  and  make  us  so  pure  that  we  may  see  thee, 
and  see  all  things  transfigured  in  the  glorious  light 
of  thy  presence.  Let  the  unseen  things  of  faith 
become  to  us,  as  they  are  in  truth,  things  real  and 
eternal ;  and  let  the  things  of  time  and  sense  be  to 
us,  as  they  in  truth  are,  unsubstantial  and  transient. 
Whensoever,  0  gracious  Father,  our  eyes  become 


232  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

dim,  our  faith  feeble,  and  our  love  cold,  then  send 
into  our  hearts  that  holy  influence  which  shall  bring 
to  our  minds  the  words  of  Christ,  —  the  eternal 
words  which  shall  endure  when  heaven  and  earth 
have  passed  away,  and  let  those  words  be  the  rock 
on  which  we  build,  whence  we  may  see,  with  un- 
clouded eyes,  the  heavenly  land  ;  let  those  words  fill 
us  with  that  love  and  peace  and  charity  which  is 
our  foretaste  of  the  heaven  to  come. 

Bless  us,  O  God,  and  all  those  for  whom  we 
would  pray,  with  these  gifts  of  thy  grace  ;  let  thy 
kingdom  come  in  all  the  earth  ;  let  thy  will  be  done 
here  below  as  in  heaven  above.  For  thine  is  the 
kingdom  and  the  power ;  thine  be,  through  Christ 
our  Lord,  the  glory  evermore.     Amen, 


LVI. 

CONSIDER    TOUR    WAYS. 

Thus  far  on  life's  perplexing  path^ 
Thus  far  the  Lord  our  steps  hath  led; 

Safe  from  the  worlcTs  pursuing  tvrathy 

Unharmed  though  floods  hung  o'er  our  head; 

Here  then  we  pause,  look  back,  adore. 
Like  ransomed  Israel  from  the  shore. 

Montgomery. 

Now,  therefore,  thus  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts,  Consider  your 


CONSIDER    YOUR    WAYS.  233 

I  said  I  will  take  heed  to  my  ways,  that  I  sin  not  with  my 
tongue. 

Ponder  the  path  of  thy  feet,  and  let  all  thy  ways  be  estab- 
lished. 

There  is  a  way  which  seemeth  right  unto  a  man,  but  the 
ends  thereof  are  the  ways  of  death. 

O  that  my  ways  were  directed  to  keep  thy  statutes  I 

Let  us  search  and  try  our  ways,  and  turn  again  to  the 
Lord. 

Blessed  are  the  undefiled  in  the  way,  who  walk  in  the  law 
of  the  Lord. 

Let  us  remember  our  way,  and  where  we  are,  and  keep  our 
garments  girt  up ;  for  we  walk  amidst  thorns  and  briers, 
which,  if  we  let  them  down,  will  entangle  and  stop  us,  and 
possibly  tear  our  garments.  —  Leighton. 

Enter  not  into  the  path  of  the  wicked,  and  go  not  in  the 
way  of  evil  men. 

Avoid  it,  pass  not  by  it,  turn  from  it,  and  pass  away. 

Trust  in  the  Lord  with  all  thy  heart.  In  all  thy  ways  ac- 
knowledge him,  and  he  shall  direct  thy  paths. 

Hold  up  my  goings  in  thy  paths,  that  my  footsteps  slip  not. 

Thou  compassest  my  path  and  my  lying  down,  and  art 
acquainted  with  all  my  ways. 

Search  me,  O  God,  and  know  mine  heart;  try  me,  and 
know  my  thoughts  ; 

And  see  if  there  be  any  wicked  way  in  me,  and  lead  me 
in  the  way  everlasting. 

Morning. 

ALMIGHTY    God,   by   whose    gracious    ordi- 
nance man  goeth  forth   to  his  work  and  his 


•234  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

labor  until  the  evening,  assist  us,  we  humbly  be- 
seech thee,  before  we  engage  in  the  duties  and 
labors  of  this  day,  to  call  to  remembrance  the  ben- 
efits we  have  received  at  thy  hand  in  days  past,  to 
ponder  the  paths  our  feet  have  trodden,  and  to  con- 
sider our  thoughts  and  our  ways,  whether  they 
have  been  ordered  according  to  thy  word.  Expose 
unto  us,  O  God,  the  things  that  are  hidden  in  our 
hearts,  that  we,  seeing  our  guilt,  may  bring  unto 
thee  the  sacrifice  of  a  humble  and  contrite  spirit, 
and  by  the  prevalency  of  our  prayers  may  obtain 
grace  to  help  in  every  future  time  of  need.  Enable 
us  to  search  ourselves,  as  in  thy  sight,  and  from 
all  the  evil  of  our  wicked  desires  and  unrighteous 
doings,  good  Lord  deliver  us.  Let  not  our  trans- 
gressions be  brought  into  judgment  against  us,  nor 
separate  us  from  thy  love  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord. 
Kindle  our  hearts  to  thankfulness  and  our  lips  to 
praise  in  the  remembrance  of  thy  mercies ;  and  let 
thy  long-suffering  to  us-ward,  while  it  shows  to  us 
that  tfiou  art  slow  to  anger  and  abundant  in  good- 
ness, make  us  heartily  ashamed  to  abuse  thy  pa- 
tience by  more  disobedience.  O  Thou  who  seest 
our  every  act  and  thought,  let  thine  eye  be  upon 
us  ;  and  wilt  thou  direct  our  steps  this  day  ?  Let  us 
not  wander  into  by  and  forbidden  paths,  but  keep 
in  the  straight  and  narrow  way  which  leadeth  to 
thee.  Thus  may  each  day  bring  us  one  day's 
journey  nearer  to  heaven.     So  may  evening  and 


CONSIDER    YOUR    WAYS.  235 

morning,  as  in  turn  they  manifest  thy  goodness  and 
declare  thy  glory,  lead  us  wisely  to  consider  our 
way  before  thee,  and  devoutly  to  show  forth  thy 
praise.  Now  unto  the  King  eternal,  immortal,  in- 
visible, the  only  wise  God,  be  honor  and  glory, 
through  Jesus  Christ,  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen, 

Evening. 

AGAIN,  O  God,  thy  mercy  has  brought  us  to 
the  close  of  day.  Softly  thou  hast  drawn 
around  us  the  folds  of  night,  and  dost  permit  us  to 
look  for  its  welcome  repose.  Yet,  O  our  Father, 
we  would  not  thoughtlessly  resign  the  hours  of  this 
day,  but  would  look  back  upon  them  in  solemn  and 
reverent  thought.  Another  period  of  deep  respon- 
sibility and  of  precious  opportunities  has  gone,  never 
to  return.  Another  portion  of  life's  great  tablet 
has  been  written  through,  and  its  abiding  record  is 
with  thee.  In  thy  sacred  presence,  we  would  dwell 
upon  the  lesson  it  has  taught.  Thou  knowest 
whether  we  have  improved  the  opportunities  which 
it  brought,  whether  we  have  performed  its  duties 
and  accepted  its  discipline  aright.  Infinite  and 
Holy  One,  we  seek  shelter  under  the  wings  of  thy 
compassion,  as  we  recall  our  manifold  neglects. 
Our  own  hearts  condemn  us  for  our  ingratitude 
and  sin.  And  thou  art  greater  than  our  hearts, 
and  knowest  all  things.     Lord,  be   merciful  to  us, 


236  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

and  may  Lie  consciousness  of  thy  overflowing  good- 
ness, daily  and  hourly  renewed,  quicken  our  love 
for  thee,  and  animate  us  with  new  desires  to  do  thy 
will.  Help  us,  O  God,  to  feel  the  solemn  mystery 
of  life.  Give  us  a  new  sense  of  our  infinite  capaci- 
ties and  our  eternal  hopes.  Give  us  new  confi- 
dence in  prayer,  increased  faith  in  the  divine  mis- 
sion of  Jesus,  and  more  fixed  and  solemn  purposes 
of  duty.  And  grant  that  thus  we  shall  not  be 
homeless  and  aimless  wanderers  upon  the  earth, 
but  may  have  ever  the  rod  and  staff  of  a  guiding 
and  sustaining  faith.  And  now  unto  thee,  our  kind 
Guardian  and  Defence,  we  commend  ourselves 
anew.  Keep  us,  if  it  be  thy  will,  to  see  another 
day.  And  grant  that  the  life  we  shall  henceforth 
live  in  the  flesh,  we  may  live  in  the  faith  and  love 
of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen, 


HIS  COMPASSIONS  F ilL  NOT.  237 

LVII. 
HIS  COMPASSIONS  FAIL  NOT 

Fountain  of  lights  and  living  breath. 
Whose  mercies  never  fail  nor  fade, 

Fill  me  with  life  that  hath  no  death, 
Fill  me  with  light  that  hath  no  shade ; 

Appoint  the  remnant  of  my  days 

To  see  thy  power  and  sing  thy  praise. 

John  Quaklks. 

It  is  of  the  Lord's  •mercies  that  we  are  not  consumed,  be« 
his  compassions  fail  not. 

They  are  new  every  morning :  great  is  thy  faithfulness. 

Though  he  cause  grief,  yet  will  he  have  compassion  accord- 
ing to  the  multitude  of  his  mercies. 

The  Lord  is  not  slack  concerning  his  promise  ;  but  is  long- 
suffering  to  US-ward,  not  willing  that  any  should  perish,  but 
that  all  should  come  to  repentance. 

Behold,  the  Lord's  hand  is  not  shortened,  that  it  cannot 
save ;  neither  his  ear  heavy,  that  it  cannot  hear. 

The  Lord  is  slow  to  anger,  and  great  in  power,  and  will 
not  at  all  acquit  the  wicked. 

But  thou,  Lord,  art  a  God  full  of  compassion,  and  gracious, 
long-suffering,  and  plenteous  in  mercy  and  truth. 

O,  how  great  is  thy  goodness  which  thou  hast  laid  up  for 
them  that  fear  thee  ! 

The  righteous  cry,  and  the  Lord  heareth,  and  delivereth 
them  out  of  all  their  troubles. 


238  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

Wlien  I  said,  My  foot  slippeth,  thy  mercy,  O  Lord,  held 
me  up. 

I  will  praise  thee,  O  Lord  my  God,  with  all  my  heart ;  and 
I  will  glorify  thy  name  forevermore. 

I  will  sing  of  the  mercies  of  the  Lord  forever. 

O,  satisfy  us  early  with  thy  mercy ;  that  we  may  rejoice 
and  be  glad  all  our  days. 

O,  come  let  us  worship  and  bow  down :  let  us  kneel  before 
the  Lord  our  Maker. 

Morning. 

IT^ATHER  of  mercies,  we  thank  thee  yet  again 
for  thy  kindness.  That  we  are  all  here  to- 
gether to  unite  in  prayer  and  in  thankfulness,  we 
praise  thee.  That  thou  hast  given  us  a  happy 
home,  and  hast  bound  us  together  in  the  ties  of 
thine  own  dear  love,  we  thank  thee.  Forgive  us 
that  we  ever  try  to  break  those  ties  in  our  impa- 
tience or  anger.  Forgive  us  for  our  passionate 
words,  or  for  our  unkind  acts.  And  grant  that  to- 
day we  may  all  live  together  as  thine  own  children 
should,  giving  each  to  each  of  the  blessings  thou 
hast  given  to  us,  and  thankful  each  to  each  for  all 
that  we  receive  from  each  other.  So  be  pleased, 
each  day,  to  make  this  home  thine  own  home,  to 
lead  us  all  with  a  Father's  hand,  and  in  our  faith, 
and  hope,  and  love  here  to  bring  us  nearer  and 
nearer  to  thyself.  We  ask  it  and  hope  for  it,  trust- 
ing in  the  promises  of  thy  Son.     Amen. 


HIS   COMPASSIONS  FAIL  NOT.  239 

ErENING. 

G(  OD  of  all  comfort  and  strength,  we  know  that 
i  thou  drawest  near  to  thy  children  who  seek 
thee,  in  their  hours  of  trial  and  solicitude.  When 
fond  earthly  hopes  fail,  thou,  in  thine  unchangeable 
goodness  and  thy  all-perfect  compassion,  dost  lift 
upon  us  the  light  of  thy  countenance,  to  give  us 
peace.  Of  thy  goodness  it  is  that  our  life  is  con- 
tinued. From  thee  is  the  source  of  every  cheering 
hope  of  the  future.  And  thou,  in  thy  far-reaching 
providence,  art  touching  our  hearts  in  all  the  ways 
by  which  we  are  called  to  set  our  i^ections  less 
upon  things  of  the  earth,  and  things  which  perish 
with  the  using,  and  to  set  them  more  upon  what  is 
unfailing  and  eternal  in  the  heavens.  By  all  the 
discipline  of  life  thou  wouldst  bring  us  closer  to 
thee.  We  would  feel  that  in  the  best  earthly 
friendships,  and  in  the  nearest  ties  of  human  kin- 
dred, we  see  but  an  imperfect  token  of  the  infinite 
tenderness  of  thy  compassion.  Grant  that  we  may 
with  all  confidence  commit  to  thee  what  belongs  to 
the  welfare  of  our  household  and  of  the  fiiends 
whom  we  love.  Grant  that  we  may  rest  with  qui- 
etness of  heart  upon  all  the  disposals  made  by  the 
Wisdom  which  is  so  much  higher  than  ours.  May 
we  be  happy  in  the  certainty  that  thou  wilt,  here- 
after, show  us  what  now  we  know  not.  Prepare  us 
to  be  partakers  of  that  higher  life  which  is  to  be 


240  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

revealed.  Of  thy  tender  mercy,  forgive  whatever 
is  unworthy  in  us.  Bring  us  into  the  fulness  of 
thy  light  and  peace,  and  let  there  be  upon  our  lips 
and  in  our  hearts  a  new  song,  even  praise  unto  our 
God.     Amen, 


LVIII. 

FJITH  IN  CHRIST, 

My  hope  is  built  on  nothing  less 
Than  Jesus'  blood  and  righteousness; 
I  dare  not  trust  the  sweetest  frame, 
But  wholly  lean  on  Jesus'  name. 
On  Christ,  the  solid  Rock,  I  stand; 
All  other  ground  is  sinking  sand. 


Whosoever  believeth  in  Jesus  Christ  shall  not  perish,  but 
have  eternal  life. 

Who  is  he  that  overcometh  the  world,  but  he  that  believeth 
that  Jesus  is  the  Son  of  God. 

I  believe  :  Lord,  increase  my  faith ;  and  let  it  be  unto  thy 
servant  according  to  this  word.  —  Wilson. 

For  there  is  one  God,  and  one  Mediator  between  God  and 
man,  the  man  Christ  Jesus. 

Wherefore  God  hath  highly  exalted  him,  and  given  him 
a  name  which  is  above  every  name ;  that  at  the  name  of  Jesus 
every  knee  should  bow,  and  every  tongue  should  confess  tha^ 
Jesus  Christ  is  Lord,  to  the  glory  of  God  the  Father. 


FAITH  IN  CHRIST.  241 

1  will  follow  tkee  whithersoever  thou  goest : 

.If  thou  passest  through  the  fire,  I  will  not  be  torn  from 
thee: 

I  will  fear  no  evil  since  thou  art  with  me.  —  St  Bernard. 

A  man  is  not  justified  by  the  works  of  the  law,  but  by  the 
fai(h  of  Jesus  Christ :  even  we  have  believed  in  Jesus  Christ, 
that  we  might  be  justified  by  the  faith  of  Christ. 

But  if  while  we  seek  to  be  justified  by  Christ,  we  ourselves 
also  are  found  sinners,  is  therefore  Christ  the  minister  of  sin  ? 
God  forbid. 

Ye  are  all  the  children  of  God  by  faith  in  Christ  Jesus. 

I  count  all  things  but  loss  for  the  excellency  of  the  knowl- 
edge of  Christ  Jesus  my  Lord. 

That  I  may  win  Christ,  and  be  found  in  him,  not  having 
mine  own  righteousness,  which  is  of  the  law,  but  that  which 
is  through  the  faith  of  Christ,  the  righteousness  which  is  of 
God  through  faith. 

Morning. 

OGOD,  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  in  the  morning,  now  we  have  awoke 
from  oun  death-like  slumber,  shalt  thou  again  hear 
our  voice.  The  light  of  a  new  day,  sent  forth  by 
thee,  and  spread  over  earth  and  sea  and  sky,  is 
again  shining  into  our  dwellings:  let  the  light  of 
thy  truth  shine  in  our  hearts,  and  may  there  be  in 
us  no  darkness  at  all.  The  air  savors  of  thy  love, 
bird  and  beast  sing  of  thy  wisdom,  and  incense  is 
going  up  to  thee  from  ten  thousand  urns ;  how  un- 
11  p 


242  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

grateful  we  mast  be,  ht^vv  cold  and  dead,  if  we  can 
now  be'  dumb  and  have  no  offerings  of  praise  to 
thee,  who  hast  formed  us  with  susceptibility  of 
enjoyment,  imparted  to  the  bosom  its  tenderness, 
and  given  a  voice  of  harmony  to  all  thy  creation. 
Open  thou  our  lips.  Teach  us  to  pray.  And  may 
our  prayers,  prompted  and  framed  by  thee,  go  up 
on  the  wings  of  devotion,  and  on  the  sweet  breath 
of  the  morning. 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  blessed  be  thy 
name  for  what  the  day  brings,  for  the  renewed 
manifestations  of  thy  wisdom  and  the  fresh  tokens 
of  thy  watchful  providence  and  unchanging  love. 
Seated  in  thy  high  and  holy  place,  thou  dost  guide 
the  great  orbs  of  light  along  their  wondrous  paths, 
bringing  to  us  the  morning  and  the  evening  and  the 
vicissitudes  of  the  seasons.  Thou  dost  order  the 
events  of  every  life  ;  and  not  a  flower  blossoms  nor 
a  sparrow  falls  without  the  notice  of  thine  eye. 
Above  all,  do  we  thank  thee  for  that  sweet  influence 
which  informs,  guides,  and  sustains.  The  law  came 
by  Moses,  but  truth  and  grace  by  Jesus  Christ. 
Not  only  hast  thou  given  us  the  fair  world,  full  of 
riches  and  varied  enjoyments,  to  live  in  ;  but  a 
world,  sanctified  by  the  presence,  cheered  by  the 
sacred  words  and  works,  and  hallowed  by  the  foot- 
steps, the  tears,  and  the  blood  of  thy  Son.  Blessed 
be  thy  name  beyond  all  present  enjoyment,  —  all 
that  may  please  the  eye  and  the  ear  and  the  grosser 


FAITH  IN   CHRIST.  243 

senses :  what  hast  thou  not  done  to  soothe  the  soHci- 
tudes  and  satisfy  the  deeper  wants  of  the  heart ! 
Thou  hast  howed  the  very  heavens  and  come  down  ; 
and  what  tender  associations,  what  precious  memo- 
ries, what  transcendent  hopes,  hast  thou  imparted 
to  kindle  within  us  the  rehgious  life,  to  lift  us  above 
these  transient  scenes,  and  bear  us  away  to  those 
immortal  regions  where  thou  wilt  unveil  thy  glory, 
and  satisfy  the  craving  heart  of  man. 

O  Lord,  most  merciful  and  gracious,  do  thou  this 
day  strengthen  our  faith  in  Jesus  ;  enlarge  our  con- 
ceptions of  the  dignity  of  his  office,  the  sanctity  of 
his  work,  the  beauty  of  his  life.  Let  his  name  be 
more  and  more  dear  to  our  hearts.  Let  the  spirit 
of  his  hfe  more  and  more  mould  our  own.  Mav 
we  be  transformed  into  his  likeness,  and  feel  the 
greatness  of  his  love,  and  so  darkness  and  fear  and 
despondency  be  scattered.  Lifinite  Father,  may 
thy  kingdom,  which  is  the  kingdom  of  light  and 
praise  and  love,  come,  thy  will  be  done  as  it  is  done 
in  heaven;  and  thine  shall  be  the  praise  and  the 
glory  forever.     Amen. 

Evening, 

OUR  Heavenly  Father !  we  unite  as  a  household 
in  thanksgivings  to  thee  for  all  the  blessings 
of  another  day.  And  while  we  supplicate  thy 
merciful  care  and  protection  through  the  hours  of 


244  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

night,  we  would  humbly  acknowledge  our  own 
weakness  and  sinfulness,  and  pray  for  thy  pardon- 
ing grace.  Thou  art  a  just  God  and  a  Saviour. 
We  rejoice  that  thou  hast  revealed  thyself  to  us 
in  Jesus  Christ,  as  mighty  to  save  and  ready  to 
forgive.  Help  us  through  him  to  find  our  way  to 
thee,  as  the  loving  Father  of  our  spirits.  May  thy 
Holy  Spirit  interpret  to  us  more  clearly  the  gospel 
of  salvation.  May  our  souls  be  washed  and  puri- 
fied in  the  healing  fountains  of  thy  love.  May  the 
peace  of  God  be  richly  shed  abroad  in  our  hearts 
as  we  go  to  our  nightly  rest.  Bless  us  with  the 
sweet  assurance  that  we  are  the  companions  of 
angels,  that  thine  own  everlasting  arm  is  about  us, 
and  that  thine  unslumbering  eye  watches  over  us 
for  good.  Refresh  us  in  body  and  soul.  Prepare 
us,  through  thine  inworking  grace,  for  all  future 
duties  and  trials.  And  when  all  earthly  things 
shall  fail  with  us,  O  admit  us  to  be  joint  heirs  with 
Jesus  Christ  to  thine  everlasting  kingdom.     Amen. 


SEARCH  THE  SCRIPTURES.,  245 

LIX. 
SEARCH   THE   SCRIPTURES 

It  is  the  one  true  Light 

That,  when  all  other  lamps  grow  dim, 
Shall  never  hum  less  purely  bright, 
-,  Nor  lead  astray  from  Him. 

It  is  the  golden  Key 

To  treasures  of  celestial  wealth,  — 

Joy  to  the  sons  of  poverty, 

And  to  the  sick  man,  health. 

Emily  Tatlob. 

Search  the  Scriptures ;  for  In  them  ye  think  ye  have  eter- 
nal life :  and  they  are  they  which  testify  of  me. 

If  thou  desire  to  reap  profit,  read  with  humility,  simplicity, 
and  faithfulness ;  nor  ever  desire  the  estimation  of  learning.  — 
A  Kempis. 

For  whatsoever  things  were  written  aforetime,  were  written 
for  our  learning,  that  we,  through  patience  and  comfort  of  the 
Scriptures,  might  have  hope. 

Continue  in  the  things  which  thou  hast  learned,  and  hast 
been  assured  of. 

The  Holy  Scriptures  are  able  to  make  thee  wise  unto  salva- 
tion, through  faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus. 

The  Holy  Scriptures  have  not  only  an  elementary  use,  but 
a  use  of  perfection ;  neither  can  they  ever  be  exhausted,  but 
still,  even  to  the  most  learned  and  perfect  in  them,  there  ia 
somewhat  to  be  learned  more.  —  Herbert. 


246  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

From  hardness  of  heart,  and  contempt  of  thy  Word,  good 
Lurd  deliver  us.  —  Wilson. 

He  that  saith  I  know  God,  and  keepeth  not  his  command- 
ments, is  a  liar,  and  the  truth  is  not  in  him. 

But  whoso  keepeth  his  word,  in  him  verily  is  the  love  »f 
God  perfected. 

Give  me,  O  God,  a  sincere  love  for  the  truths  of  the  Gos- 
pel, a  teachable  heart,  and  an  obedient  will. 

Order  my  steps  in  thy  word  :  and  let  not  any  iniquity  have 
dominion  over  me. 

Let  my  heart  be  sound  in  thy  statutes ;  that  I  be  not 
ashamed. 

The  word  of  the  Lord  endureth  forever;  and  this  is  the 
word  which  by  the  gospel  is  preached  unto  you. 


Morning. 

OTHOU  incomprehensible  Being,  whose  great- 
ness transcends  human  thought,  and  whose 
wisdom  is  unfathomable,  we  know  thee  not  as  thou 
art,  and  majr  not  presume  to  speak  of  thy  mysteri- 
ous essence  ;  for  who  by  searching  can  find  out  God  ? 
But  blessed  be  thy  name,  thou  hast  not  left  thyself 
without  witnesses  of  thy  majesty  and  memorials  of 
thy  goodness.  Day  unto  day  uttereth  speech,  and 
night  unto  night  showeth  knowledge  of  thee.  Thy 
word  hath  gone  out  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth,  and 
there  is  no  spot  so  high,  so  low,  or  so  distant,  on 
wliich  it  may  not  be  heard.     Thou  hast  written  it 


SEARCH  THE  SCRIPTURES.  247 

on  the  face  of  nature,  in  the  courses  of  the  heav- 
enly bodies,  on  the  rocky  foundations  of  our  globe, 
in  the  changes  of  the  world  and  the  history  of  man ; 
and  they  tell  of  the  length  of  thy  years,  of  the 
majesty  of  thy  power,  and  of  the  greatness  of  thy 
wisdom  and  love. 

But,  above  all,  hast  thou  been  pleased  to  breathe 
it  into  the  ear  of  patriarch,  prophet,  and  apostle, 
and  hast  caused  that  it  should  be  inscribed  by  their 
hands,  and  transmitted  from  generation  to  genera- 
tion for  our  use.  How  shall  we  sufficiently  thank 
thee.  Holy  Father,  that  these  Scriptures,  so  full 
of  inspiration,  and -so  intimately  connected  with  the 
life  of  the  world,  should  be  preserved  for  us. 
Teach  us  to  value  them  as  we  ought.  Let  us  never 
forget  that  they  contain  thy  word  of  truth  and  thy 
gracious  promise  made  to  the  heart  of  man.  Let 
us  remember  what  they  have  been  to  our  world; 
how,  when  it  was  lying  in  ignorance,  and  under 
the  shadow  of  death,  they  guided  and  instructed 
and  saved  it.  Let  us  never  forget,  that  they  contain 
the  history  of  thy  communications  with  man,  in- 
formed, inspired,  and  pervaded  by  thine  own  spirit, 
—  the  promises  unto  the  fathers  by  the  prophets,  and 
their  fulfilment  in  the  wonderful  life  and  transcend- 
ent works  of  Jesus,  in  the  unspeakably  grand  and 
affecting  circumstances  which  attended  his  death, 
resurrection,  and  ascension  to  thee,  where  he  ever 
Iiveth,  at  the  head  of  his  spiritual  kingdom,  to  guide 


248  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

its  destinies,  and  make  intercession  for  lis,  and  wel- 
come us  to  his  rest. 

Merciful  Father,  save  us  from  the  folly  of  turning 
away  in  indifference  and  neglect  from  these  vener- 
able Scriptures.  May  we  never  forget  that  they 
contain  the  word,  and  are  the  power  of  God  unto 
salvation.  May  we  hold  them  in  our  heart's  rever- 
ence. May  they  be  a  lamp  to  our  feet,  and  a  guide 
to  our  ways.  May  we  search  them  diligently,  and 
partake  largely  of  their  spirit.  Open,  O  God,  the 
inward  eye,  and  we  shall  see  wonderful  things  out 
of  thy  holy  word.  Open  the  inward  ear,  and  in 
all  times  of  our  tribulation  and  self-abandonment,  we 
shall  hear  thy  gentle  voice  of  solace,  forgiveness, 
and  peace.  Speak,  Lord,  to  our  hearts,  and  it  shall 
be  well  with  thy  servants.  All  of  which  we  ask  in 
the  name  and  as  disciples  of  Jesus  Christ.     Amen, 

Evening. 

OUR  Father,  and  our  God :  thou  who  dwellest 
in  light  ineffable  and  full  of  glory ;  at  the 
close  of  another  day  we,  thy  children,  come  unto 
thee  to  acknowledge  our  dependence  and  to  seek 
thy  blessing.  In  our  darkness  and  our  ignorance 
we  are  prone  to  go  astray  ;  and  as  this  day  we  have 
sinned  against  thee,  wilt  thou  forgive  us,  and  wilt 
thou  send  down  thy  Holy  Spirit  into  our  hearts  to 
turn  us  away  from  all  transgression,  and  to  en- 
lighten our  understandings. 


SEARCH   THE  SCRIPTURES.  249 

We  thank  tliee,  our  Heavenly  Father,  for  thy 
truth.  Thy  word  is  truth  ;  and  in  it  we  have  ever- 
lasting Hfe.  Give  us,  we  beseech  thee,  the  dispo- 
sition to  search  it  diHgently,  and  an  understanding 
heart  in  reading  its  lessons.  As  thou  hast  given 
it  to  us  to  be  a  lamp  unto  our  feet,  and  a  light  unto 
our  path,  help  us  to  follow  its  shining  unto  the  end. 
In  its  revelations  concerning  thee,  our  Father,  and 
in  its  revelations  concerning  a  future  world,  and  in 
what  it  teaches  concerning  life  and  duty,  we  have 
full  assurance  of  thy  interest  m  us,  and  thy  care 
for  us,  and  of  thy  unfailing  solicitude  that  we  should 
walk  in  thy  commandments  and  ordinances  blame- 
less. If  hitherto  we  have  been  indifferent  to  thy 
word,  and  have  failed  to  make  it  our  wisdom  and 
our  counsel,  wilt  thou  incline  our  hearts  to  it  hence- 
forth, that  we  may  do  the  things  which  it  commands, 
and  may  be  followers  together  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  O  God,  we  need  the  teachings  of  thy  Spirit, 
that  we  may  rightly  search  and  duly  understand  thy 
word,  and  that  it  may  lead  us  in  filial  obedience  and 
love  unto  thee,  our  Father,  and  conduct  us  at  last 
to  our  heavenly  home.  Wilt  thou  grant  unto  us 
what  we  so  much  need,  and  crown  with  blessing  all 
our  searchings  into  thy  truth. 

Our  prayer  for  our  friends,  for  all  whom  we  should 
remember  at  the  throne  of  thy  grace,  for  all  man- 
kind, is  that  they  may  come  to  a  knowledge  of  the 
truth,  and  be  everlastingly  saved  by  thy  grace. 
11* 


250  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

Do  thou  hear  us,  O  God,  and  accept  and  bless  us. 
We  ask  it  in  the  name  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


LX. 

TEMPERANCE  AND  MODERATION. 

Happy  the  man  whose  cautious  steps 

Still  keep  the  golden  mean  ; 
Whose  life,  by  wisdom's  rules  wellformed^ 

Declares  a  conscience  clean. 

His  business  ts  to  keep  his  hearty 

Each  passion  to  control ; 

Nobly  ambitious  well  to  rule 

The  empire  of  his  soul. 

Needham. 

Let  your  moderation  be  known  unto  all  men. 

He  is  fit  to  sit  at  the  table  of  the  Lord,  and  to  feast  witb 
saints,  who  moderately  uses  the  creatures  which  God  hath 
given  him ; 

But  he  that  despises  even  lawful  pleasures  shall  not  only 
sit  and  feast  with  God,  but  reign  together  with  him,  and  par- 
t£ike  of  his  glorious  kingdom.  —  Taylor. 

Moderation  is  the  silken  string  running  through  the  pearl 
chain  of  all  virtues.  —  Fuller. 

Let  our  life  be  moderate,  our  desires  reasonable,  our  hopea 
little.  —  Taylor. 


TEMPERANCE  AND  MODERATION.     251 

Be  not  self-willed,  not  soon  angry,  not  given  to  wine,  no 
striker,  not  given  to  filthy  lucre ; 

But  a  lover  of  hospitality,  a  lover  of  good  men,  sober,  just, 
holy,  temperate. 

The  servant  of  the  Lord  must  not  strive ;  but  be  gentle 
unto  all  men,  apt  to  teach,  patient. 

The  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  love,  joy,  peace,  long-suffering, 
gentleness,  goodness,  faith,  meekness,  temperance. 

Be  not  among  wine-bibbers,  among  riotous  eaters  of  flesh : 
for  the  drunkard  and  the  glutton  shall  come  to  poverty. 

Let  us  watch  and  be  sober. 

He  that  resisteth  pleasure  crowneth  his  life. 

Let  us  not  imagine  that  excess,  luxury,  and  superfluity,  and 
the  love  of  pleasures,  are  less  criminal  because  so  common.  — 
WUson. 
Having  food  and  raiment,  let  us  be  therewith  content. 

Morning. 

WITH  the  return  of  this  morning  light,  O 
God,  we  rise,  refreshed  with  slumber,  the 
gift  of  thy  love,  to  the  duties  of  the  day.  We  direct 
our  prayer  unto  thee,  asking  for  wisdom  and  strength 
to  do  our  duty  in  all  things.  O  restrain  us  from 
all  excesses.  Make  us  earnest  and  firm  indeed,  but 
also  keep  us  within  the  limits  of  moderation  and 
prudence.  Let  not  our  indolence  or  unbelief  cause 
us  to  fall  short  of  the  mark  of  our  obligation.  Let 
not  our  rash  desires  hurry  us  beyond  the  sacred 


252  ALTAR  AT  HOME, 

boundaries  of  justice,  purity,  and  our  true  interests. 
We  pray  that  through  this  day,  and  through  every 
day  thy  grace  allots  us  below,  we  may  be  temperate 
and  judicious  in  all  things,  careful  to  do  what  shall 
be  pleasing  in  thy  sight.  Accept  our  homage  and 
answer  our  petitions,  O  Lord,  for  thy  mercy's  sake 
in  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen, 


Evening. 

ALMIGHTY  God,  Father  of  our  spirits,  we 
thank  thee  for  all  the  powers  and  faculties  of 
our  nature  ;  for  those  capacities  by  which  we  are 
distinguished  from  the  brutes  that  perish.  Grant 
us,  we  pray  thee,  an  entire  control  over  all  our  dis- 
positions and  desires,  that  we  may  never  come  into 
bondage  to  our  appetites,  nor  be  swayed  by  the  ob- 
jects of  flesh  and  sense.  By  thy  gracious  aid  may 
we  be  enabled  to  maintain  a  conscience  void  of 
offence  towards  God  and  towards  man.  Aid  us  to 
be  perpetually  vigilant  in  the  examination  of  our 
motives  and  the  government  of  our  actions.  May 
we  bridle  the  tongue  in  every  hour  of  temptation, 
remembering  that,  if  any  man  offend  not  in  word, 
the  same  is  a  perfect  man.  Give  us  an  eye  to  see 
ourselves  as  we  are  seen  by  others,  and,  above  all, 
by  thee  the  Omniscient  One. 

Holy  Father,  we  pray  for  a  complete  knowledge 
of  our  ruling  principles  and  affections  ;  may  we  dis- 


TEMPERANCE  AND  MODERATION.     253 

cem  clearly  our  chief  moral  dangers,  and  become 
acquainted  with  our  transgressions  and  our  defects. 
Clothe  us  with  more  power  over  the  great  springs  of 
our  conduct ;  give  us,  we  beseech  thee,  daily  new  vic- 
tories over  our  corrupt  passions  and  irregular  desires. 
Let  us  rise  continually  toward  that  elevated  con- 
dition where  no  prejudices  will  distort  our  judgment, 
no  unkind  emotions  enter  our  breasts,  and  nothing 
impure  exist  within  us  to  disturb  our  peace. 

We  thank  thee  that,  in  this  our  earthly  warfare 
with  evil,  we  have  as  a  forerunner  One  who  was 
tempted  as  we  are  at  all  points,  yet  escaped  without 
sin.  We  pray  for  the  same  mind  which  was  also  in 
our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  Let  his  con- 
stant self-denial  dwell  in  us,  that  we  may  subject 
ourselves,  like  him,  wholly  to  thy  will.  In  all  the 
changing  scenes  of  life  may  his  blessed  Gospel,  by 
its  sacred  truths,  its  perfect  precepts,  and  its  glori- 
ous promises,  be  a  light  to  our  feet,  and  enable  us 
to  resist  temptation,  and  bear  us  up  under  every 
trial,  sorrow,  and  burden.  In  the  evil  day  may  we 
be  led  on  by  thine  invisible  hand,  and  delivered  in 
safety  from  our  spiritual  foes.  Help  us  to  use  this 
world  as  not  abusing  it,  seeing  that  the  fashion  of  it 
passeth  quickly  away.  Chasten  all  our  expectations 
and  hopes  ;  and  may  we  let  our  moderation  be 
known  unto  all  men.  Free  from  our  unholy  am- 
bition, and  loving  thy  praise  more  than  the  praise 
of  man,  may  we  never  be  unduly  elevated  by  hu- 


254  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

man  praise  or  depressed  by  the  ill  opinion  of  others. 
Caring  more  to  deserve  approbation  than  to  receive 
it,  we  desire  to  seek  supremely  that  honor  which 
Cometh  from  on  high.  In  the  conflicts  and  struggles 
before  us,  aid  us,  we  beseech  thee,  by  thy  Holy 
Spirit,  that  we  may  come  off  more  than  conquerors 
through  Him  who  hath  loved  us,  in  whose  name  we 
ascribe  unto  thee  glory  and  praise  forever.     Amen, 


LXI. 
LEAD    US  NOT  INTO    TEMPTATION 

Veil,  Lord,  mine  eyes  till  she  be  pastj 

When  Folly  tempts  my  sight ; 
Keep  thou  my  palate  and  my  taste 

From  gluttonous  delight ; 
Stop  thou  mine  ear  from  sirens*  songs, 

My  tongue  from  lies  restrain; 

Withhold  my  hands  from  doing  wrongs, 

My  feet  from  courses  vain. 

Geoboe  Wither. 

Every  man  is  tempted  when  he  is  drawn*  away  of  his  own 
lust,  and  enticed. 

Blessed  is  the  man  that  endureth  temptation ;  for  when  he 
is  tried,  he  shall  receive  the  crown  of  life,  which  the  Lord  hath 
promised  to  them  that  love  him. 

AVatch  and  i)ray,  that  ye  enter  not  into  temptation. 


LEAD   US  kOT  INTO   TEMPTA  TION.    256 

We  must  not  be  surprised  that  we  are  tempted.  We  are 
placed  here  to  be  proved  by  temptations.  Everything  is 
temptation  to  us.  Crosses  irritate  our  pride,  and  prosperity 
flatters  it ;  our  life  is  a  continual  warfare ;  but  Jesus  Christ 
combats  with  us.  —  Fenelon. 

Temptations  are  often  very  profitable  to  us,  though  they  be 
troublesome  and  grievous;  for  in  them  a  man  is  humbled, 
purified,  and  instructed.  —  A  Kempis. 

The  beginning  of  all  evil  temptations  is  inconstancy  of 
mind  and  small  confidence  in  God.  —  A  Kempis. 

If  you  would  not  be  foiled  by  temptation,  do  not  enter  into 
a  dispute  with  Satan.     Dispute  not,  but  fight.  —  Anon. 

God  is  faithful,  who  will  not  suffer  you  to  be  tempted  above 
that  ye  are  able,  but  will  with  the  temptation  also  make  a 
way  to  escape,  that  ye  may  be  able  to  bear  it. 

Let  us  not,  then,  shrink  from  these  trials,  remembering 
always  that  in  them  Jesus  Christ  fights  with  us,  and  for  us. 
—  St.  Chrysostom, 

Him  that  overcometh  will  I  make  a  pillar  in  the  temple 
of  my  God,  and  he  shall  go  no  more  out ;  and  I  will  write 
upon  him  the  name  of  my  God,  and  the  name  of  the  city 
of  my  God,  which  is  new  Jerusalem. 

Set  a  watch,  O  Lord,  before  my  mouth ;  keep  the  door  of 
my  lips. 

Incline  not  my  heart  to  any  evil  thing,  to  practise  wicked 
works  with  men  that  work  iniquity. 


O 


Morning. 

HOLY  Father,  by  whose  loving-kindness  we 
have  been  thus  far  led,  and  by  whose  good 


256  ^LTAR  AT  HOME. 

providence  we  see  the  returning  light  of  this  daj, 
let  thy  light  shine  ever  upon  our  path,  —  that  mar- 
vellous light  which  is  from  above,  and  which  shall 
show  us  all  things  in  their  true  character.  Let  thy 
dear  Son  this  day  touch  the  eyes  of  each  one  of  us, 
that  they  may  be  opened  to  detect  every  illusion  of 
the  tempter,  and  preserve  us  from  all  his  snares. 
We  have  neither  strength  nor  wisdom  in  ourselves, 
O  Father,  but  in  thy  grace  through  Christ  Jesus 
we  can  do  all  things.  Fulfil  for  us  his  prayer,  that 
his  disciples  may  be  with  him  where  he  is.  And 
in  the  light  of  his  word  and  of  his  presence  let  us 
behold  the  reality  of  things  of  the  Spirit,  the  empti- 
ness and  falsehood  of  the  promises  of  the  flesh  ;  by 
the  strength  of  thy  grace  may  we  be  strong  this 
day  to  walk  in  the  path  of  duty,  to  hold  fast  our 
integrity,  and  to  resist  every  allurement  to  evil, 
however  closely  it  may  assume  the  garb  of  an  angel 
of  light. 

O  Father,  show  thy  mercy  unto  all  thy  children, 
bringing  forth  among  all  nations  truth  victorious, 
and  causing  justice  to  prevail  against  wrong-doers  ; 
hastening  in  every  land  the  coming  of  thy  kingdom. 
Let  our  own  land,  O  gracious  God,  be  ever  dealt 
with  in  mercy,  and  all  our  nation  brought  into  the 
ways  of  righteousness  and  liberty  and  peace.  And 
may  thy  blessing  be  upon  us  and  upon  all  whom  we 
love,  this  day  and  evermore.     Amen, 


LEAD   US  NOT  INTO   TEMPTATION.    257 

EVENING. 

HEAVENLY  Father,  we  implore  thy  blessing, 
surrounded  as  we  are  by  a  world  of  temp- 
tation and  danger.  Give  us,  we  beseech  thee, 
that  wisdom  which  is  from  above,  that  we  may 
be  a])le  to  discern  between  the  things  that  differ 
in  thy  sight,  and  to  choose  always  that  which  is 
right.  May  we  take  fast  hold  of  instruction,  and 
not  let  her  go  ;  may  we  keep  her,  knowing  that  she 
is  our  life.  May  we  inchne  our  ear  to  wisdom,  and 
apply  our  heart  to  understanding,  and  depart  from 
all  evil.  Preserve  us  from  that  pride  which  goeth 
before  destruction,  and  from  that  haughty  spirit 
which  precedeth  a  fall.  Guard  us  from  undue 
confidence  in  our  own  wisdom  when  apart  from 
thee  ;  endow  us  with  a  meek  and  teachable  dis- 
position, that  we  may  look  up  to  thee  for  help  in 
every  hour  of  exposure  and  peril.  Ever  may  we 
watch  against  the  approach  of  our  spiritual  enemies, 
putting  on  the  whole  armor  of  faith  and  salvation. 
We  would  listen  reverently  to  the  admonition  and 
reproof  of  conscience,  and  to  the  voice  of  thy  Son, 
our  dear  Saviour.  By  acknowledging  and  forsak- 
ing our  past  errors,  may  we  be  saved  and  shielded 
against  future  sins.  Thou  art  teaching  us  daily  by 
the  course  of  thy  providence  and  the  secret  coun- 
sels of  thy  Holy  Spirit ;  let  not  these  solemn  lessons 
be  ever  lost  upon  us. 

Q 


258  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

Give  us  an  eye  to  see  the  constant  evidence  there 
is  of  thy  moral  government  over  us,  and  that  thou, 
the  Righteous  One,  lovest  righteousness  and  hatest 
iniquity.  May  we  be  thoroughly  convinced  that 
there  is  no  true  and  lasting  peace  to  those  who  do 
evil,  and  that  it  is  always  well  with  those  who  keep 
thy  commandments.  Thou  art  our  Father,  help  us 
to  be  thy  loving  and  obedient  children,  rejoicing  to 
know  thy  blessed  will,  and  to  do  it  with  our  whole 
hearts.  We  would  submit  ourselves  to  the  guidance 
of  thy  unerring  counsels,  and  pray  that  none  of  the 
deceitful  pleasures  of  sin  may  seduce  us  into  the 
path  of  the  transgressor.  Establish  thou  us  in  the 
firm  control  of  our  passions,  and  the  steady  govern- 
ment of  our  hearts  and  our  whole  lives.  Help  us 
to  discern  the  certainty  and  the  value  of  the  recom- 
pense thou  hast  prepared  for  persevering  virtue, 
and  to  know  by  our  own  happy  experience  that  in 
keeping  thy  commands  there  is  a  present  and  great 
reward.  Let  our  views  of  thee  be  so  clear  and  so 
tender  and  affecting  that  we  shall  never  grow  weary 
of  well-doing.  Now  unto  Him  who  is  able  to  keep 
us  from  falling,  and  to  present  us  without  blame 
before  the  presence  of  his  glory  with  exceeding  joy, 
to  God  only  wise,  be  glory  forever.     Amen. 


FRAY  WITHOUT  CEASING.  259 

LXII. 

PRjr  WITHOVT  CEASING. 

Prayer  is  the  souTs  sincere  desirej 

Uttered  or  unexpressed; 
The  motion  of  a  hidden  Jire 

That  trembles  in  the  breast. 

MONTQOMERT. 

Verily  I  say  unto  you,  Whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  the  Father 
in  my  name,  he  will  give  it  you. 

Ask,  and  it  shall  be  given  you;  seek,  and  ye  shall  find; 
knock,  and  it  shall  be  opened  unto  you. 

This  is  the  confidence  we  have  in  God,  that  if  we  ask  any- 
thing according  to  his  will,  he  heareth  us. 

How  good  is  God !  who  will  not  only  give  us  what  we  pray 
for,  but  will  reward  us  for  going  to  hun,  an^ laying  our  wants 
before  him.  — Wilson. 

May  I  wait  with  patience,  and  leave  it  to  thee  how  and 
wJien  to  grant  my  petitions.  —  Wilson. 

To  pray  is  to  say.  Let  thy  will  be  done ;  it  is  to  form  a  good 
parpose ;  it  is  to  raise  our  hearts  to  God ;  it  is  to  lament  our 
weakness ;  it  is  to  sigh  at  the  recollection  of  our  frequeut  diij- 
obedience.  —  Fenelon. 

Ask  not  for  that  which  is  delightful  and  profitaolo  to  thee, 
but  for  that  which  is  acceptable  to  God ; 

For  those  desires  are  not  pure  and  perfect  which  ave  tino- 
ture(^  with  the  love  of  thine  own  special  interest  a'ad  advan- 
kago    -  A  Kempis. 


260  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

Prayers  are  but  the  body  of  the  bird ;  desires  are  its  angePa 
wings.  —  Taylor. 

What  is  the  Almighty,  saith  the  wicked,  that  we  should 
serve  him  ?  and  what  profit  should  we  have  if  we  pray  unto 
bim  ? 

From  the  few  hours  we  spend  in  prayer  and  the  exercises 
of  a  pious  life  the  return  is  great  and  profitable ;  and  what 
we  sow  in  the  minutes  and  spare  portions  of  a  few  years, 
grows  up  to  crowns  and  sceptres  in  a  happy  and  glorious  eter- 
nity. —  Taylor. 

The  heart  without  the  tongue  may  pierce  the  ears  of  heaven, 
the  tongue  without  the  heart  speaks  an  unknown  language. 
Rather  speak  three  words  in  a  speech  that  God  knows,  than 
pray  three  hours  in  a  language  that  he  understands  not.  — 
Warmck. 

Pray  without  ceasing;  not  in  mere  words,  but  in  so  living 
united  to  God,  in  your  affections  and  thoughts,  that  your  life 
sLall  be  one  long  and  continued  prayer.  —  St.  Basil. 


Morning. 

OTHOU  who  art  our  life  and  the  length  of  our 
days,  may  we  at  all  times  set  thee  before  us  in 
everything  we  design,  do,  or  undertake.  In  every 
period  of  our  life  we  would  avail  ourselves  of  those 
opportunities  which  are  suited  to  enlarge  our  con- 
ceptions of  thee,  and  to  acquaint  us  with  our  whole 
duty  to  thee,  to  show  us  our  dependence,  to  correct 
our  wrong  inclinations,  to  guard  us  against  false  and 
criminal  suggestions,  and  to  confirm  us  in  all  good 


PRAY  WITHOUT  CEASING.  261 

principles  and  habits.  In  whatever  employments 
we  may  engage,  or  into  whatever  relations  we  may 
enter,  O  keep  thou  us  constantly  aware  of  thy  pres- 
ence, and  mindful  that  this  is  but  a  preparatory 
scene,  and  that  our  preparation  for  another  hfe  wiU 
consist  in  the  proper  discharge  of  the  duties  of  the 
present. 

Thou,  O  God,  art  full  of  truth,  purity,  holuiess, 
and  love  I  Pour  down  these  great  gifts  continually, 
we  pray  thee,  upon  us.  Shed  upon  us  every  hour 
of  our  lives  thy  renewing  and  sanctifying  power, 
that  our  minds  may  be  lifted  toward  thee  while  our 
hands  are  occupied  with  life's  tasks.  Let  our  hearts 
be  so  filled  with  the  love  of  thy  law,  that  we  shall 
hate  all  vain  thoughts,  and  shun  whatever  would 
lead  us  to  wander  from  thy  commandments.  Be 
thou  our  hiding-place  in  danger,  and  our  shield 
against  the  subtlety  and  evil  influence  of  others, 
that  they  may  never,  by  their  persuasions  or  ex- 
ample, ensnare  our  souls.  We  implore  thee  to  be 
our  strength  and  our  stay,  that  we  may  always  walk 
with  the  wise  and  the  pure,  and  find  our  delight  in 
being  with  them  that  love  thee. 

God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  help  us 
to  be  one  with  him  as  he  is  one  with  thee,  that  we 
may  enjoy,  like  him,  the  sweet  consciousness  that 
thou  hearest  us  always.  We  ask  for  an  ever  firm 
faith  in  all  the  truths  thou  didst  send  him  to  teach. 
May  we  daily  hear  tliy  voice  remind  us  through  him 


262  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

of  the  glorious  life  which  is  to  come.  In  our  lonely 
hours,  may  we  learn  of  him  to  feel  that  we  are  not 
alone^  for  the  Father  is  with  us.  Amid  our  cares 
and  engagements,  may  we  realize  that  we  shall  be 
in  nothing  profited,  if  wo  gain  the  world  and  lose 
our  own  souls.  In  our  amusements  and  pleasures 
Ave  would  hear  him  bidding  us  look  to  thee  lest  our 
hearts  be  drawn  off  from  duty  and  heaven.  When 
trouble  and  sorrow  come  upon  us,  may  we  not  be 
cast  dowm,  but  turn  to  thee,  and  find  the  consolation 
we  need.  So  may  we  live,  that  all  our  thoughts 
shall  be  ordered  as  before  thee,  and  thou  be  the  joy 
of  our  joys  and  the  peace  of  our  griefs.  May  we 
rest  calmly  in  thine  hands  under  all  the  checkered 
scenes  of  this  world,  and  gaze  steadfastly  toward  that 
kingdom  without  beginning  and  without  end.  Hear 
us,  we  beseech  thee,  through  Christ  our  Redeemer. 


Evening. 

OUR  Heavenly  Father!  thou  blessed  Spirit  in 
whom  we  live  and  move  and  have  our  being  I 
we  come  to  thee  at  the  close  of  another  day  and 
seek  thy  blessing.  The  night  is  falling  on  the  weary 
world,  and  a  holy  calm,  a  religious  repose,  seems  to 
fill  the  twilight,  and  whisper  to  our  souls  of  thy  near- 
ness and  love.  O  Father,  at  this  quiet,  thoughtful 
hour,  may  our  hearts  be  filled  with  that  peace  which 
the  world  cannot  give  nor  take  away.     May  we  be 


PRAY   WITHOUT  CEASING.  263 

grateful  for  the  blessings  of  this  day,  for  health  and 
home  and  friends  ;  or  even  for  the  discipline  of  sor- 
row, pain,  and  disappointment ;  for  all  things  through 
which  we  are  called  back  from  our  wanderings  and 
drawn  nearer  to  our  better  selves  and  to  thee.  We 
are  penitent  of  our  sins  ;  we  feel  oppressed  and  dis- 
couraged to  think  how  we  forget  thee  day  after  day ; 
we  do  aspire  and  pray  for  a  better  and  more  success- 
ful life  than  that  which  we  now  live.  O  we  bless 
thee  that  thou  art  so  patient  with  us  !  That  thy 
spirit  is  not  grieved  away  by  all  our  failures  and  sins. 
Infinite  pity,  patience,  love,  darkness,  and  sadness 
gather  on  our  souls  as  we  think  of  our  unworthiness, 
and  we  fly  for  shelter  under  the  shadow  of  thy  wing. 
May  faith  and  hope  shine  upon  our  darkness  as  the 
stars  are  shining  on  this  niglit !  In  our  weakness  may 
we  find  strength,  in  our  darkness  may  we  find  hght ; 
in  our  ignorance  may  we  find  knowledge  in  thee. 
Guard  our  slumbers  when  we  lie  down  to  sleep. 
May  thoughts  of  heaven  visit  us  even  in  our  dreams, 
that  we  may  meditate  upon  thee  in  the  night-watch- 
es. Be  with  all  who  are  dear  to  us  this  ni<zht.  Save 
them  from  dangers  seen  and  unseen  ;  may  we  feel 
ourselves  united  in  thee,  however  widely  we  are  sep- 
arated in  all  earthly  relations.  Forgive  our  sins, 
and  purify  our  souls,  that  we  may  see  thee  and  love 
thee  and  feel  thy  helpful  presence  ever  near  in  our 
weakness;  and  to  thy  name  shall  be  all  the  glory 
and  honor  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen, 


264  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

LXIII. 
FEAR   GOD, 

Great  God!  how  infinite  art  thou  I 

Hoio  frail  and  weak  are  we  I 

Let  the  whole  race  of  creatures  bow^ 

And  homage  pay  to  thee. 

Watts. 

Blessed  is  the  man  that  feareth  the  Lord ;  that  delighteth 
greatly  in  his  commandments. 

In  the  faithful  soul  the  fear  of  the  Lord  consists  entirely  in 
love ;  and  the  principal  duty  of  that  love  is  to  obey  his  com- 
mandments and  believe  his  promises.  —  <S/.  Hilary. 

The  Lord  taketh  pleasure  in  them  that  fear  him,  in  those 
that  hope  in  his  mercy. 

The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  to  hate  evil. 

The  fear  of  the  Lord  prolongeth  days ;  but  the  years  of  the 
wicked  shall  be  cut  off. 

In  the  fear  of  the  Lord  is  strong  confidence ;  and  his  chil- 
dren shall  have  a  place  of  refuge. 

They  that  feared  the  Lord  spake  often  one  to  another ;  and 
the  Lord  hearkened,  and  heard  it,  and  a  book  of  remembrance 
was  written  before  him  for  them  that  feared  the  Lord,  and 
that  thought  up»-n  his  name. 

And  they  shall  be  mine,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts,  in  that  day 
when  I  make  up  my  jewels. 

What  man  is  he  that  feareth  the  Lord  ?  him  shall  he  teach 
in  the  way  that  he  shall  choose. 


FEAR    GOD.  265 

His  soul  shall  dwell  at  ea^e  ;  and  his  seed  shall  inherit  the 
earth. 

The  secret  of  the  Lord  is  with  them  that  fear  him ;  and  he 
will  show  them  his  covenant. 

Who  fears  God  will  find  himself  elevated  above  the  terrors 
and  menaces  of  this  world,  —  they  are  for  him  only  vain  phan- 
toms, which  he  despises,  and  speedily  disperses.  —  St.  Ephraim. 

Blessed  is  the  man  that  feareth  the  Lord,  that  delighteth 
greatly  in  his  commandments. 

Let  us  hear  the  conclusion  of  the  whole  matter :  Fear  God, 
and  keep  his  commandments ;  for  this  is  the  whole  duty  of 
man. 

For  the  mercy  of  the  Lord  is  from  everlasting  to  everlast- 
ing upon  them  that  fear  him,  and  his  righteousness  unto  chil- 
dren's children. 

Morning. 

WE  adore  thee,  O  Lord,  for  we  are  fearfully 
and  wonderfully  made,  fearfully  and  won- 
derfully preserved.  Thou  compasses!  our  path  and 
our  lying  down  and  art  acquainted  with  all  our 
ways.  As  the  sun  this  morning  again  darts  his 
searching  ray  from  one  end  of  the  heavens  to  the 
other,  and  makes  visible  the  things  which  had  been 
liidden  in  darkness,  so  does  the  eye  of  thy  holy  Son 
search  our  consciences  and  all  the  windings  of  oui 
hearts.  For  there  is  not  a  thought  or  a  desire  there, 
but  lo,  O  Lord,  thou  knowest  it  altogether.  If 
thou,   Lord,  shouldst   mark  iniquities,   who  should 

12 


266  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

stand?  But  there  is  forgiveness  with  thee,  that 
thou  may  est  be  feared.  May  thy  goodness,  thy 
holiness,  thy  greatness,  conspire  to  make  us  afraid  to 
sin  against  thy  pure  spirit,  against  the  nature  in 
which  thou  hast  made  us,  against  the  sacred  rela- 
tions in  which  thou  hast  bound  us  to  thy  family  on 
earth.  May  we  be  afraid  of  the  sin  of  hiding  in  the 
earth  the  talent  tliou  liast  intrusted  to  us ;  may  we 
dread  the  shadow  of  a  stain  upon  our  souls.  Cleanse 
us,  O  God,  from  every  secret  fault.  May  our  filial 
fear  of  thee  swallow  up  all  other  fear.  May  we  be 
piously  afraid  to  let  the  fear  of  the  world  deter  us 
from  the  straight  path  of  childlike  and  Christian 
simplicity,  may  we  this  day  do  justly,  love  mercy 
and  walk  humbly  with  thee,  our  God.  Create  in 
us,  O  God,  a  clean  heart,  renew  a  right  spirit  with- 
in us ;  if  there  be  any  wicked  way  in  us,  forgive 
and  correct  it,  and  lead  us  in  the  way  everlasting, 
through  Christ.     Amen, 

Evening. 

OGOD,  thou  infinite  one,  who  dwellest  among 
the  sanctities  of  heaven  and  in  the  midst  of 
thy  matchless  perfections,  whom  no  eye  hath  seen, 
whose  greatness  no  human  mind  can  compass,  and 
whose  love  no  human  heart  can  fathom,  all  honor 
and  reverence  and  answering  affection  be  rendered 
unto  thee.     In   the   silence   and   solemnity  of  the 


FEAR   GOD.  207 

evening  hour  we  come  once  more,  the  members  of 
this  Christian  family,  to  the  place  of  our  refuge,  our 
endeared  family  altar. 

And  Holy  Father,  how  can  we  come  before  thee 
but  to  put  our  hands  on  our  mouths  and  our  mouths 
in  the  dust  ?  Another  day  is  gone,  with  its  precious 
hoars  of  light  in  which  to  walk,  with  its  vast  oppor- 
tunities of  usefulness  and  means  of  improvement, 
with  trusts  that  cannot  be  measured  and  burdens  of 
responsibility  and  demands  of  duty  that  cannot  be 
weighed  ;  and  when  in  the  quiet  of  our  meditations 
we  take  council  with  ourselves,  and  reflect  upon  the 
magnitude  of  thy  gifts  and  the  poorness  of  our  ser- 
vices, how  can  we  stand  before  thee  but  with  added 
shame  and  humiliation  ?  Thou  hast  prolonged  the 
lives  which  our  consciences  tell  us  have  been  all  too 
meanly  devoted,  and  spared  the  blessings  which  we 
have  but  too  freely  abused.  Thou  hast  said  to  us, 
"  My  son,  give  me  thy  heart,"  and,  lo,  we  have  too 
seldom  had  thee  in  all  our  thoughts.  Thou  hast 
said  to  us,  "  Go  work  in  my  vineyard,"  and  behold, 
we  have  been  idle  and  slothful,  while  the  fields  have 
been  white  for  the  harvest.  We  feel  that  we  have 
not  been  eyes  to  the  blind,  garments  to  the  naked, 
and  feet  to  the  weary,  as  we  should  have  been.  In 
the  multitude  of  our  wayward  thoughts  and  earth- 
born  cares,  we  have  failed  and  fallen  short  in  our 
duty  to  thee.  We  come,  therefore,  not  to  justify 
ourselves,  but  to  ask  pardon  of  thee.     Lift,  O  God, 


268  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

the  burden  of  our  conscious  deficiency.  Have 
mercy  upon  us,  and  blot  our  sins  from  the  book  of 
thy  remembrance. 

For  what  are  we  that  we  should  a  single  moment 
be  forgetful  of  thee,  and  transgress  thy  most  right- 
eous laws  ?  Our  constant  Preserver  and  most  boun- 
tiful Benefactor,  thou  mayest  justly  claim  our  entire 
service.  Former  of  our  bodies,  Father  of  our 
spirits,  and  Disposer  of  our  lot,  help  us  ever  to  stand 
in  awe,  and  sin  not;  and  as  we  shall  meditate  upon 
thee  on  our  beds,  let  us  feel  more  of  thy  pervad- 
ing presence  and  thine  incomprehensible  greatness. 
From  our  own  mean  estate  we  turn  our  eyes  up- 
wards ;  we  gaze  into  the  mysterious  depth,  —  on  the 
boundless  expanse  of  these  heavens,  the  moon  walk- 
ing in  her  brightness,  and  the  stars  holding  their  si- 
lent watch,  —  on  thyself  more  wondrous  still,  guid- 
ing worlds  on  worlds  through  eternity ;  and  we  are 
utterly  overwhelmed  by  the  grandeur  of  our  con- 
templations. What  is  man,  that  thou  art  mindful 
of  him,  or  the  Son  of  man,  that  thou  shouldest  visit 
him ! 

We  lay  our  hearts  lowly  before  thee.  We  ask 
for  thy  tender  pity,  and  the  watch  of  thine  unslum- 
bering  eye,  and  the  shelter  of  thy  protecting  wing. 
Amen, 


THY   WAYS  ARE  NOT  OUR    WAYS.      2^^ 

LXIV. 

THT  WATS  ARE  NOT  OUR  WJTS. 

Thy  ways,  0  Lord,  with  wise  design, 

Are  framed  upon  thy  throne  above, 

And  every  dark  or  bending  line 

Meets  in  the  centre  of  thy  love. 

Anonymous. 

Beware  thou  dispute  not  of  high  matters,  nor  of  the  secret 
judgments  of  God,  why  this  man  is  so  left,  and  that  man 
taken  into  such  great  favor ;  why  also  one  is  so  grievously  af- 
flicted, and  another  so  eminently  exalted.  —  A  Kempis. 

These  things  are  beyond  all  reach  of  man*s  faculties,  neither 
is  it  in  the  power  of  any  reason  or  disputation  to  search  out 
the  judgments  of  God.  —  A  Kempk. 

For  my  thoughts  are  not  your  thoughts,  neither  are  your 
ways  my  ways,  saith  the  Lord. 

For  as  the  heaven  is  higher  than  the  earth,  so  are  my  ways 
higher  than  your  ways,  and  my  thoughts  higher  than  your 
thoughts.     The  wisdom  of  men  is  foolishness  with  God. 

The  ways  of  the  Lord  are  right,  and  the  just  shall  walk  in 
them ;  but  the  transgressors  shall  fall  therein. 

Canst  thou  by  searching  find  out  God  ?  canst  thou  find  but 
the  Almighty  to  perfection  ? 

Hast  thou  not  known,  hast  thou  not  heard,  that  the  ever- 
lasting God,  the  Lord,  the  creator  of  the  ends  of  the  earth, 
fainteth  not,  neither  is  weary  ?  There  is  no  searching  of  his 
understanding. 


270  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

Where  Is  the  wise  ?  where  is  the  scribe  ?  where  Is  the  dls- 
puter  of  this  world  ?  hath  not  God  made  foolish  the  wisdom  ot 
this  world  ? 

Faith  is  required  at  thy  hands,  and  a  sincere  life ;  not  height- 
of  understanding,  nor  the  depth  of  the  mysteries  of  God.— 
A  Kcmpis. 

Far  be  it  from  God,  that  he  should  do  wickedness ;  and  from 
the  Almighty,  that  he  should  commit  Iniquity. 

For  the  work  of  a  man  shall  he  render  unto  him,  and  cause 
every  man  to  find  according  to  his  ways. 

O  the  depth  of  the  riches  both  of  the  wisdom  and  the 
knowledge  of  God !  How  unsearchable  are  his  judgments, 
and  his  ways  past  finding  out. 

For  of  him,  and  through  him,  and  to  him  are  all  things ;  to 
whom  be  glory  forever. 


Morning. 

ALMIGHTY  God,  it  is  through  thy  tender  care 
that  we  have  been  spared  to  see  this  day. 
Gratefully  we  would  dwell  upon  the  thought  of  thy 
constant  presence. 

We  rejoice  t©  feel  that  thou  art  about  our  path, 
and  art  acquainted  with  all  our  ways.  That  thou, 
who  didst  create  us,  art  ever  watching  over  us ;  and 
that  thou,  who  knowest  the  avenues  to  our  hearts, 
art  always  gently  approaching  and  breathing  over 
us  the  influences  of  thy  spirit.  Confirm  our  faitb. 
in  thee  and  thy  providences. 


THY    WAYS  ARE  NOT  OUR    WAYS.      271 

Be  witli  us,  we  beseech  thee,  now,  when,  refreshed 
by  the  interval  of  rest  from  our  daily  cares,  we  go 
forth  to  them  anew. 

Thou  knowest,  O  God,  the  temptations  we  are  to 
meet.  Thou  knowest  how  hard  it  is  to  keep  always 
mindful  of  what  is  right ;  how  our  thoughts  fasten 
on  earthly  things,  while  the  clouds  of  passion  shut 
out  from  us  the  light  of  heavenly  truth  ;  how  the 
passing  allurements  of  the  world  smother  the  higher 
yearnings  of  the  soul. 

We  would  not  go  out  without  the  guidance  and 
support  of  thy  helping  spirit.  We  pray  thee  that 
we  may  receive  that  strength  which  is  not  our 
own,  which  alone  can  make  us  strong  against  the 
evil  to  which  we  shall  be  exposed. 

Bless  us  in  all  our  worthy  pursuits.  Hallow  all 
our  enjoyments.  Sanctify  all  the  experiences  we 
may  be  called  to  meet.  We  joyfully  submit  our- 
selves to  thy  guidance,  certain  of  thy  love  and  care 
for  us.  Lead  us  in  thy  truth,  and  teach  us,  O  thou 
God  of  our  salvation.  Guide  us  by  thy  counsel, 
and  finally  receive  us  into  glory.  We  ask  it,  for 
Christ's  sake.     Amen.  • 

Evening. 

OTHOU    all-wise  and   all-nieiciful   One,    thy 
ways  are  past  finding  out ;  thy  purposes    of 
grace  are  infinitely  beyond  our  finite  thought.    We 


272  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

would  banish  every  fear  and  doubt,  while  we  adore 
thy  sovereign  wisdom.  At  the  close  of  every  day 
we  would  resign  ourselves  to  thy  fatherly  hand. 
Amidst  all  the  mysteries  of  life,  we  would  rest  upon 
thy  infinite  love.  How  graciously  hast  thou  always 
guided  our  wayward  steps.  As  we  look  back  over 
our  lives,  light  breaks  out  of  darkness,  and  we  see 
that  thou  wert  teaching  us  while  we  knew  it  not, 
and  blessing  us  through  our  disappointments  and 
our  griefs,  and  looking  upon  us  under  the  shadows 
of  every  cloud,  with  thine  eye  of  love. 

Infinite  Father,  we  know  not  whether  to  give 
thee  greater  thanks  for  adversity  or  prosperity,  for 
grief  or  joy,  since  every  dispensation  is  another 
revelation  of  the  same  incomprehensible  mercy. 
But  we  do  bless  thee  that  thou  overrules t  our  steps, 
and  dost  not  leave  us  to  our  shortsio-htedness  and 
folly.  We  bless  thee  for  thy  rebukes  to  our  passion 
and  our  pride,  for  all  the  cliastisements  of  thy  lov- 
ing hand.  We  would  adore  and  give  thanks  where 
we  cannot  see,  and  ask  not  for  what  we  may  fool- 
ishly wish,  but  for  strength  according  to  our  day. 

Holy  Father,  inspired  by  such  thoughts  as  these, 
may  we  find  grace  always  to  yield  ourselves  to  thy 
sovereign  guidance  with  a  cheerful  and  childlike 
trust.  May  we  be  ready  to  follow  wherever  thou 
shalt  lead,  and  to  take  up  every  cross  which  thou 
shalt  ordain.  Teach  us,  in  the  spirit  of  thy  dear 
Son,  to  say,  not  our  will,  but  thine  be  done.     Help 


SELF-DENIAL.  273 

us  to  wait  patiently  for  the  unfoldlngs  of  thy  will, 
for  the  perfect  revelation  of  the  mysteries  of  thy 
perfect  love.  May  we  feel  it  to  be  enough  for  us 
now  to  know  that  we  can  never  be  alone  in  the 
darkest  hour,  because  thou  art  always  with  us  still. 
And  so  may  we  find  thy  acceptance  now,  and  thy 
acceptance  forever  in  that  world  in  which  faith  will 
give  place  to  sight,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen, 


LXV. 

SELF-DENIJL, 


Our  flesh  and  sense  must  he  denied^ 

Passion  and  envy^  lust  and  pride, 

While  Justice,  temperance,  truth,  and  love 

Our  inward  piety  approve. 

Watts. 

Gro  not  after  thy  lusts,  but  refrain  thyself  from  thine  appe- 
tites. Delight  thyself  in  the  Lord,  and  he  shall  give  thee  the 
desires  of  thine  heart. 

Jesus  said,  If  a  man  will  come  after  me,  let  hun  deny  him- 
self, and  take  tip  his  cross  and  follow  me. 

He  that  loveth  pleasure  shall  be  a  poor  man. 

He  that  resisteth  pleasure,  crowneth  his  life. 

He  that  keepeth  himself  subject,  in  such  sort  that  his  sen- 
sual affections  be  obedient  to  reason,  and  his  reason  in  all 
12*  B 


274  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

things  obedient  to  God,  that  person  Is  truly  sonqueror  of  faim- 
Bclf,  and  lord  of  the  world.  —  A  Kempis. 

When  thou  degradest  thyself  by  low  affections,  thou  puttest 
thyself  on  a  level,  In  thy  inclinations,  with  irrational  beasts, 
thy  soul  assumes  their  likeness.  Thou  art  called  to  nobler 
destinies ;  seek,  then,  the  Most  High,  seek  Jesus  Christ,  ele- 
vate thy  thoughts  to  heaven.  —  St.  Basil. 

I  know  that  in  me  (that  Is,  in  my  flesh)  dwelleth  no  good 
thing;  for  to  will  is  present  with  me;  but  how  to  perform 
that  which  is  good  I  find  not. 

For  the  good  that  I  would,  I  do  not ;  but  the  evil  which  I 
would  not,  that  I  do. 

Wouldest  thou  that  thy  flesh  obey  thy  spirit  ?  then  let  thy 
spirit  obey  thy  God.  Thou  must  be  governed,  that  thou 
mayest  govern.  —  St.  Augustine. 

Crucify  the  man  of  sin  boldly,  resolutely,  instantly  ;  but 
cruclfj  him  with  the  cross  of  Christ,  in  which  is  life  and  sal- 
vation. —  St.  Bernard. 

For  the  grace  of  God  that  briugeth  salvation  hath  appeared 
to  all  men. 

Teaching  us  that,  denying  ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts, 
we  should  live  soberly,  righteously,  and  godly  in  this  present 
world ; 

Looking  for  that  blessed  hope,  and  the  glorious  appearing 
of  the  great  God  and  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 


Morning. 

FATHER  of  light  and  love  I      We  adore  thy 
majesty,  we  acknowledge  thy  perfections,  we 


SELF-DENIAL.  275 

rejoice  in  thy  goodness.  We  tbank  thee  for  our 
existence,  and  that  we  find  our  lives  continued  and 
renewed  unto  us  at  the  opening  of  this  new  'day. 
May  we  cheerfully  take  upon  us  the  yoke  of  duty, 
and  may  we  trust  in  thee  for  strength  to  meet  all 
our  responsibilities.  Teach  us  the  right  use  of  our 
powers  ;  may  we  not  profanely  squander  our  strength 
upon  unworthy  objects.  Help  us  to  resist  tempta- 
tion, and  to  overcome  the  lust  of  the  flesh,  the  lust 
of  the  eye,  and  the  pride  of  life.  Deliver  us  from 
all  low  and  gross  desires,  which  prevent  our  hunger- 
ing and  thirsting  after  spiritual  and  heavenly  things. 
Anoint  our  eyes,  that  we  may  see  the  sacredness  of 
all  things  around  us  and  within  us,  and  sanctify  our 
hearts,  that  we  may  enjoy  thee  in  the  midst  of  thy 
common  blessings.  Make  us  strong  in  the  Lord, 
that  we  may  be  masters  of  ourselves  and  rule  well 
our  own  spirits.  Through  all  the  excitements  and 
allurements,  the  cares  and  activities  of  the  daT,  may 
thy  peace  be  in  our  hearts.  May  we  do  justly,  love 
mercy,  walk  humbly  with  thee,  and  keep  ourselves 
unspotted  from  the  world. 

Father,  thy  will  be  don«  on  earth  as  it  is  in  heav- 
en. May  the  right  everywhere  triumph  over  the 
wrong.  May  our  own  dear  country  become  a  land 
of  righteousness  and  freedom  and  peace.  May  the 
light  of  thy  Gospel  shine  in  all  the  nations,  and 
may  the  kingdoms  of  this  world  become  the  king- 
dom of  our  Lord  and  his  Christ.     Amen. 


276  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 


EVENING. 


MOST  merciful  God !  Again,  at  the  close  of 
the  day,  we  gather  about  the  family  altar,  to 
unite  in  our  evening  devotions.  We  thank  thee, 
our  Father,  for  thy  protection  over  us  during  the 
day,  for  the  blessings  which  have  followed  us  at 
every  step,  for  the  comforts  of  our  lot,  for  friends 
and  home.  But  we  lament  that  too  often  these 
very  gifts  of  thy  bounty  have  been  the  means  of 
drawing  our  thoughts  from  thee.  Immersed  in  en- 
joyment of  the  gifts,  we  have  forgotten  the  Giver, 
and  so  have  neglected  that  active  service  due  to 
thee,  our  Maker  and  Preserver. 

And  not  only  have  we  omitted  those  things  which 
we  ought  to  have  done,  but  we  have  done  those 
things  which  we  ought  not  to  have  done.  We  have 
yielded  to  temptation,  and  fallen  into  sin.  For  this, 
O  God,  pity  and  forgive  us ;  and  do  thou,  we  be- 
seech thee,  so  impress  thine  image  on  our  hearts, 
so  take  possession  of  our  wills,  so  attach  us  to 
thee  by  the  cords  of  love,  that  we  may  henceforth 
spurn  and  reject  all  pleasures  of  sense  which  can 
in  any  way  offend  thee,  or  defile  us,  or  impose 
even  a  shadow  of  separation  between  our  hearts 
and  thee. 

May  we  be  strong  to  resist  temptation  ;  able  and 
willing,  —  yea,  rejoicing  to  take  up  and  bear  any 
cross  appointed  us  in  thine  infinite  wisdom. 


SIMPLICITY  AND  GODLY  SINCERITY.     277 

Be  with  us  this  night,  and  leave  us  not  on  the 
morrow.  Take  up  thine  abode  in  our  hearts,  and 
drive  thence  every  evil  thought,  in  Christ's  name 
we  pray.     Amem, 


LXVl. 

SIMPLICITY  AND  GODLY  SINCERITY. 

Lord  J  that  I  may  learn  ofthee^ 

Give  me  true  simplicity; 

Wean  my  soid,  and  keep  it  low, 

Willing  thee  alone  to  know. 

Methodist  Co\m 

By  two  wings  a  man  is  lifted  up  from  things  earthly,  —  by 
Simplicity  and  Purity.  —  A  Kempis. 

Let  this  be  thy  whole  endeavor,  this  thy  prayer,  this  thy 
desire :  that  thou  mayest  be  stript  of  all  selfishness,  and  with 
entire  simplicity  follow  Jesus  only.  —  A  Kempis. 

No  man  can  serve  two  masters. 

I  fear,  lest  by  any  means,  as  the  serpent  beguiled  Eve 
through  his  subtilty,  so  your  minds  should  be  corrupted  from 
the  simplicity  that  is  in  Christ. 

Will  it  not  please  God,  that  we  should  surrender  our  souls 
to  him,  without  fear  or  reserve?  This  deliverance  of  the 
soul  from  all  useless  and  selfish  and  unquiet  cares  brings  to 
it  a  peace  and  freedom  that  are  unspeakable;  this  is  true 
simplicity.  —  Fenelon. 


278  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

For  our  rejoicing  is  this,  the  testimony  of  our  conscience, 
that  in  simplicity  and  godly  sincerity,  not  with  fleshly  wisdom, 
but  by  the  grace  of  God,  we  have  had  our  conversation  in 
the  world. 

If  there  be  a  joy  in  the  world,  surely  a  man  of  a  pure  heart 
possesseth  it.  —  A  Kempis. 

It  is  a  blessed  simplicity  when  a  man  leaves  the  difficult 
ways  of  questions  and  disputings,  and  goes  on  forward  in  the 
plain  and  firm  path  of  God's  commandments.  —  A  Kempis. 

God  walketh  with  the  simple,  revealeth  himself  to  the  hum- 
ble, giveth  understanding  to  the  little  ones,  openeth  the  sense 
to  pure  minds.  —  A  Kempis. 

The  meek  shall  inherit  the  earth,  and  shall  delight  them- 
selves in  the  abundance  of  peace. 

Christ  teaches  that  only  those  who  become  again,  as  it  were, 
little  children,  and  by  the  simplicity  of  that  age  cut  oflf  the 
inordinate  affections  of  vice,  can  enter  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 
—  St.  Hilary. 

Morning. 

BEING  of  infinite  purity  and  truth,  thou  who 
dwellest  in  the  heaven  of  heavens,  yet  deign- 
est  also  to  make  thy  home  in  every  humble  and 
trusting  heart,  we  come  to  thee  in  the  dawning  of 
this  new  day,  to  ask  that  thou  wilt  lift  up  the  light 
of  thy  countenance  upon  our  hearts,  to  guide  us 
mto  the  way  of  peace.  As  the  day  returns  to  glad- 
den the  world,  which  it  wakes  to  beauty  and  joy, 
so,  we  pray,  let  thy  Sun  of  Righteousness  shine  upon 
our  souls,  that  we  may  be  awakened  to  a  j)rofound 


SIMPLICITY  AND  GODLY  SINCERITY.    279 

consciousnoss  of  thy  presence  with  us,  and  to  a 
fresh  consecration  of  ourselves  to  thy  simple  and 
sincere  service.  Let  the  remembrance  of  thy  mer- 
cies, which  every  morning  are  renewed  to  us,  sink 
deeply  into  our  grateful  hearts,  and  move  us  to  give 
up  our  entire  selve's  to  that  single-minded  obedience 
of  thee  and  devotion  to  thy  will,  in  which  alone  we 
can  find  rest  unto  our  souls. 

Thou  knowest  our  every  need.  The  words  in 
which  we  frame  our  petitions  unto  thee,  and  the  un- 
spoken prayers  which  breathe  from  our  hearts,  the 
crying  of  our  natures  unto  thee  for  help,  the  voice 
of  longing  and  need  which  we  can  utter  to  no 
human  being,  thou  hearest  and  knowest  all,  and 
thou  canst  answer  our  prayers.  We  implore  thee 
to  shed  abroad  in  our  hearts  the  influences  of  thy 
holy  spirit,  to  calm  every  troubled  and  unquiet 
thought.  Lead  us  to  love  thee  with  an  entire  love. 
Draw  us  away  from  a  too  engrossing  devotion  to 
this  world,  and  make  us  to  estimate  it  at  its  true 
value,  by  showing  us  the  unspeakable  glory  of  those 
things  which  thou  hast  prepared  for  those  who  love 
thee.  When  the  world  attracts  us  strongly,  and 
pleasure  excludes  thee  from  our  thoughts,  and  our 
minds  are  set  on  things  which  perish,  then,  we 
pray,  by  whatever  discipline  thou  wilt,  purify  us 
and  recall  us  to  thyself,  and  enlighten  our  souls,  that 
we  may  look  beyond  what  concerns  only  this  mor- 
tal life,  and  humbly  and  devoutly  may  seek  for  the 


280  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

help  which  cometh  from  thee.  And  by  this  inward 
preparation  fit  us  to  set  forth  in  our  outward  walk 
among  men  the  Gospel  of  Christ  which  we  profess. 
Enable  us  to  live  consistent  Christian  lives,  that  we 
may  be  known  to  have  been  with  Jesus  and  to  have 
infused  something  of  his  spirit  into  our  own  hearts. 
Give  us  the  grace  to  be  faithful  followers  of  him 
amid  whatever  trials  and  temptations  may  befall  us, 
that  none  of  such  things  may  move  us  from  a  firm 
and  abiding  trust  in  thee ;  so  that  finally  we  may  be 
received  to  that  heaven  of  purity  and  truth  and 
love,  for  which  this  world  is  the  preparation,  re- 
vealed to  us  by  thy  Son,  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen, 

Evening. 

OUR  Father  in  heaven,  who  knowest  how  frail 
we  are,  and  how  great  is  the  power  of  earthly 
allurements  to  captivate  our  thoughts  and  turn  us 
away  from  our  highest  good,  forgive  our  sins,  and 
so  endow  us  with  thy  spirit  and  thy  grace,  that  in 
simplicity  and  godly  sincerity  we  may  have  our  con- 
versation in  the  world.  Help  us  to  give  ourselves 
entirely  to  thee,  that  we  may  seek  no  other  rule 
of  life  but  thy  truth,  that  we  may  have  no  other 
ambition  but  to  do  thy  will,  and  ask  no  higher 
pleasure  than  the  joy  of  loving  and  serving  thee. 
Let  not  the  fear  or  the  favor  of  man,  or  any  infe- 
rior interest  or  passion,  stand  between  our  souls  and 


LOVE   TO  MAN.  281 

thee.  Forgive  us  if  we  have  failed  to  live  thus  in 
accordance  with  thy  will,  and  impress  upon  us,  in 
all  time  to  come,  a  sense  of  our  perpetual  obligation 
to  thee.  In  thee,  O  God,  is  our  trust.  In  thee  is 
our  life.  Let  us  not  be  drawn  away  from  thee,  nor 
from  the  singleness  of  purpose  and  steadfastness  of 
faith  which  become  thy  children.  May  He  who  is 
the  Resurrection  and  the  Life  dwell  m  our  hearts, 
and  may  we,  rooted  and  grounded  in  love,  be  able  to 
know  the  love  of  Christ,  which  passeth  knowledge, 
and  be  filled  with  all  the  fulness  of  God.  Through 
thy  great  mercy  in  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


LXVII. 
LOVE    TO  MAN, 


God's  law  demands  one  living  faith, 
Not  a  gaunt  crowd  of  lifeless  creeds : 

Its  warrant  is  a  firm  "  God  saith"  — 
Its  claim,  not  words,  but  loving  deeds. 

C.  A.  Briggs. 

Love  one  another  with  a  pure  heart  fervently. 

Let  love-  be  without  dissimulation.  Be  kindly  affectioncd 
to  one  another  with  brotherly  love,  in  honor  preferring  ono 
another. 

Love  feels  no  burden,  thinks  nothing  of  trouble,  attempts 
what  is  above  its  strength,  pleads  no  excuse  of  impossibility ; 


282  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

for  it  thinks  all  things  lawful  for  itself,  and  all  things  possible. 
—  A  Kempis. 

If  a  man  say  I  love  God,  and  hateth  his  brother,  he  is  a  liar. 
For  he  that  loveth  not  his  brother  whom  he  hath  seen,  how 
can  he  love  God  whom  he  hath  not  seen  ? 

And  this  commandment  have  we  from  him,  That  he  who 
loveth  God,  love  his  brother  also. 

Love  is  active,  sincere,  affectionate,  pleasant,  and  amiable ; 
courageous,  patient,  faithful,  prudent,  long-suffering,  manly, 
and  never  seeking  itself.  —  A  Kempis. 

Let  brotherly  love  continue. 

Ye  have  heard  that  it  hath  been  said.  Thou  shalt  love  thy 
neighbor  and  hate  thy  enemy  : 

But  I  say  unto  you.  Love  your  enemies,  bless  them  that 
curse  you,  do  good  to  them  that  hate  you,  and  pray  for  them 
which  despitefuUy  use  you  and  persecute  you. 

For  if  ye  love  them  which  love  you,  what  reward  have  ye  ? 
do  not  even  the  publicans  so  ? 

The  Lord  make  you  to  increase  and  abound  in  love  one 
toward  another,  and  toward  all  men. 

Morning. 

OTHOU  who  dwellest  in  liglit  inaccessible  and 
full  of  glory,  mortal  eye  hath  not  seen  thee. 
With  all  our  searching  we  cannot  find  thee  out  unto 
perfection.  And  yet  how  graciously  hast  thou  re- 
vealed thyself  to  our  hearts,  so  that  our  hearts  can 
understand  thee.  Thou  art  our  Father  I  Thou 
whose  power  is  limitless,  whose  knowledge  is  bound- 


LOVE    TO  MAN.  283 

less,  who  art  possessed  of  all  things  in  thyself, — 
thou,  the  Infinite  One, — hast  encouraged  us  to  know 
and  v/orship  and  confide  in  thee,  as  a  being  of  cease- 
less love  and  unwearied  compassion.  Thou  num- 
berest  the  very  hairs  of  our  heads,  and  sendest  the 
blessing  of  the  sunshine  and  the  rain  upon  all  alike. 
Thou  art  no  respecter  of  persons ;  all  are  thy  chil- 
dren. Help  us  to  remember  this,  by  a  more  faithful 
acknowledgment  of  the  ties  of  the  human  brother- 
hood. Since  he  who  loveth  not  his  brother,  whom 
he  hath  seen,  cannot  love  God,  whom  he  hath  not 
seen,  give  us  grace  to  be  just,  full  of  gentle  chari- 
ties, and  kindly  affectioned  towards  our  fellow-men, 
equally  with  ourselves  unforgotten  of  thee,  and  the 
objects  of  thy  beneficence.  May  we  do  unto  others 
as  we  would  that  others  should  do  unto  us.  May  we 
forgive  trespasses  as  we  would  have  our  trespasses 
forgiven.  Save  us  fi'om  selfishness  and  hardness  of 
heart.  As  we  share  the  common  lot,  may  we  ac- 
knowledge the  claims  of  a  common  humanity.  In 
our  day  and  generation  may  we  be  faithful  to  what- 
ever concerns  the  welfare  of  our  race.  Teach  us 
riglitly  to  serve  our  neighbor,  that  thus  we  may 
show  forth  our  gratitude  for  thy  paternal  care. 
Let  us  not  live  to  ourselves  alone ;  but  let  us  live 
as  members  of  thy  human  family,  honoring  every- 
where the  nature  which  thou  hast  made  in  thine 
own  image.  May  we  live  the  disciples  of  Him  who 
hath  said,  "  Inasmuch  as  ye  have  done  it  unto  the 


284  ALTAR   AT  HOME. 

least  of  these  my  brethren,  ye  have  done  it  nnto 
me."  Hear  us,  O  Father,  in  this  supphcation  foi 
larger  inspirations  of  love,  and  thine  shall  be  the 
praise  and  the  glory  forever.     Amen, 

EVENING. 

FATHER  of  infinite  love  and  mercy,  again  we 
come  to  lay  before  thee  a  day  that  is  past. 
We  cannot  recall  it,  but  we  know  that  in  it  we 
have  left  undone  many  duties,  and  have  fallen  into 
many  sins,  and  that  all  tliese  will  rise  up  against 
us  in  judgment.  O  our  Father,  we  cast  the  day 
as  a  seed  into  the  ground,  repenting  over  all  our 
shortcomings,  and  trusting  humbly  in  thy  mercy, 
that,  while  its  baser  part  shall  perish,  all  in  it  that 
has  been  done  to  thy  service  shall  spring  up,  and 
bear  fruit  an  hundred-fold  in  the  future.  We  thank 
and  adore  thee  for  the  mercies  with  which  thou 
hast  this  day  crowned  our  lives,  and  we  pray  that 
we  may  be  so  filled  with  thy  grace  that  we  may 
thank  and  adore  thee  more  and  more  through  all 
our  days  on  earth.  To  this  end,  O  God,  subdue 
within  us  the  sinful  inclinations  of  our  hearts,  and 
strengthen  our  unselfish  aspirations  to  thee ;  quell 
our  rebellious  passion  and  pride,  and  quicken  our 
devout  affections  toward  thee  and  all  mankind. 
May  the  same  mind  be  in  us  w^hich  was  in  Christ 
Jesus,  —  a  mind   filled   with  all   devout   and   liolj 


LOVE   TO  MAN.  285 

thoughts,  with  a  sweet  simphcity,  content  to  do  thy 
manifest  will,  with  a  sincerity  spotless  and  pure  in 
all  the  relations  of  life,  with  a  spirit  of  perfect  love. 
Open  our  spiritual  vision,  that  we  may  see  all  men 
as  they  appear  in  thy  sight,  as  the  dear  children  of 
thy  love  and  the  brethren  of  our  Lord  and  Master 
Jesus  Christ.  Help  us  to  resist  every  inclination 
of  our  minds  to  regard  the  outward  distinctions 
between  man  and  man.  Forgive  us  when  we  yield 
to  prejudice  or  are  influenced  by  pride  to  despise 
one  of  thy  little  ones.  Inspire  us  with  devotedness 
to  thy  service  here  below.  Grant  us  thy  aid,  that 
we  may  not  be  wanting  in  any  good  word  and 
work,  which  may  help  to  bring  thy  children  nearer 
to  thee. 

We  commend  to  thy  loving  care  this  night  all 
who  are  in  any  sort  of  need.  Comfort  those  who 
mourn.  Support  those  who  are  sorely  tried  by 
anxiety,  or  doubt,  or  pain  of  body  or  of  mind. 
Send  thy  light  to  illumine  those  who  are  in  dark- 
ness, and  to  make  the  path  of  duty  plain  before 
them. 

As  we  lie  down  to  rest,  we  ask  for  thy  protection. 
Refresh  our  mortal  bodies  with  calm  repose ;  refresh 
our  immortal  souls  with  thy  grace  and  thy  peace. 
Prepare  us  by  our  days  and  nights,  by  our  labor 
and  our  repose  in  this  life,  for  the  rest  which  re- 
maineth  for  thy  people,  in  the  light  of  thy  presence 
which  shineth  more  and  more  unto  the  perfect  day. 


^86  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

Hear  and  accept  our  prayer,  we  beseech  thee,  in 
the  name  of  Him  who  is  the  Life  and  the  Light  of 
men.     Amen. 


LXVIII. 
TRUE    GAIN, 


Sometimes^  0  Lord,  —  at  least  in  fthow,  — 

A  thankful  heart  we  do  profess, 
When  thou  such  blessings  dost  bestow 

As  outward  riches,  health,  or  peace  ; 
But  for  that  means  which  may  conduce 

Our  souls  to  their  true  bliss  to  raise 
We  make  not  very  frequent  use 

Of  thankful  words  or  hymns  of  praisi . 

Wither. 

There  is  that  maketh  himself  rich,  yet  hath  nothing;  there 
is  that  maketh  himself  poor,  yet  hath  great  riches. 

A  little  that  a  righteous  man  hath  is  better  than  the  riches 
of  many  wicked. 

There  is  that  scattereth,  and  yet  increaseth ;  and  there  is 
that  withholdeth  more  than  is  meet,  but  it  tendeth  to  poverty. 

A  good  name  is  rather  to  be  chosen  than  great  riclies,  and 
loA^ng  favor  rather  than  silver  and  gold. 

Better  is  a  little  with  righteousness,  than  great  revenues 
without  right. 

Lay  up  for  yourself  treasures  in  heaven,  where  neither  moth 
nor  rust  doth  corrupt,  and  where  thieves  do  not  break  through 
aor  steal. 


TRUE   GAIN.  287 

For  where  yonr  treasure  Is,  there  will  your  heart  be  also. 

If  thou  hide  thy  treasure  upon  the  earth,  how  canst  thou 
expect  to  find  it  in  heaven  ?  —  Quarles. 

Godliness  is  great  riches,  if  a  man  be  content  with  that  he 
hath ;  for  we  brought  nothing  into  the  world,  neither  may  w» 
carry  anything  out. 

What  thou  givest  to  God's  glory  and  thy  soul's  health  ia 
laid  up  in  heaven,  that  only  is  thine.  —  Quarles. 

Paul  desires  to  know  nothing  but  Christ,  and  Christ  cruci- 
fied. In  this  knowledge  we  possess  more  than  all  the  sciences 
and  all  the  riches  of  the  earth  can  offer  us.  —  St.  Hilary. 

Morning. 

MERCIFUL  and  Mighty  Being !  Thou  art  the 
perfect  and  the  eternal  One  I  Thou  art  the 
Lord  and  Giver  of  life !  Thou  art  our  Father  in 
heaven  !  We  own,  with  thankful  hearts,  thy  provi- 
dential care,  and  we  would  begin  this  day  by  a  re- 
newed consecration  of  all  we  are,  and  of  all  we  have, 
to  thy  delightful  and  reasonable  service.  O  may  th  ) 
Sun  of  Righteousness  arise  upon  us  with  healing  ia 
his  beams  !  May  we  see  the  hght  of  thy  truth,  and 
feel  the  warmth  of  thy  love !  Quicken  within  us 
all  holy  desires,  strengthen  within  us  all  virtuous 
purposes.  Forgive  the  sins  that  are  past ;  and  help 
us  to  profit  by  our  own  mistakes,  and  to  be  in- 
strm^ted  by  our  own  follies.  Thou  knowest  how 
frail  we  are,  and  how  short  is  our  time  on  earth. 
O  teach  us  so  to  number  our  days  that  we  may 


288  ALTAR  AT  HOME. 

apply  our  hearts  to  the  lessons  of  heavenly  wisdom. 
May  we  do  with  our  might  what  our  hands  find  to 
do,  redeeming  the  passing  hours  by  cheerful  dili- 
gence, and  services  of  love  to  thee  and  to  our  fel- 
low-men. May  we  not  set  our  hearts  too  strongly 
on  the  things  that  perish ;  may  we  not  be  too  much 
lifted  up  by  prosperity,  nor  too  much  cast  down  by 
adversity,  knowing  that  the  fashion  of  this  world 
passeth  away.  O  Lord,  the  issues  of  life  and  death 
are  thine.  Grant  us  a  calm  and  steady  faith  in  im- 
mortality ;  and  may  we  know  ourselves  partakers 
of  thy  life  eternal,  through  the  knowledge  of  thee 
and  of  Jesus  Christ,  whom  thou  hast  sent.  And 
when  we  are  called  away  to  the  unseen  world,  O 
may  we  find  ourselves  reunited  in  the  larger  family 
of  heaven,  to  share  thy  glory  forevermore.     Amen. 

EVENING. 

HOLY  Father,  whose  all-seeing  eye  has  this  day 
marked  our  words  and  deeds,  and  read  our 
secret  purposes  and  desires,  forgive  us,  we  pray 
thee,  all  that  thou  hast  seen  in  us  this  day  of  evil. 
And  now,  before  the  account  of  the  day  is  closed, 
help  us,  O  Father,  as  we  endeavor  to  judge  our- 
selves, help  us  to  repent  of  every  sin ;  and  should 
we  this  night  sleep  the  sleep  that  knows  no  earthly 
awakening,  may  we  die  at  peace  with  God,  and  in 
charity  with  all  our  neighbors.     But  if  thou  hast 


TRUE   GAIN.  289 

still  in  store  for  us  days  upon  earth,  help  us  hence- 
forth to  avoid  the  sins  of  the  past,  and  daily  to  grow 
in  the  knowledge  of  thy  law,  and  in  likeness  to  thy 
holy  Son.  Blessed  be  thy  name,  that  thou  hast, 
through  him,  clearly  manifested  thyself,  and  an- 
nounced to  us  the  great  laws  of  our  life,  that  we 
should  love  thee,  the  Giver  of  every  good  gift,  and 
that  we  should  love  our  neighbors  as  ourselves.  O 
Holy  Father,  write  these  laws  upon  our  hearts. 
Create  us  anew,  through  Christ  Jesus,  in  thine  im- 
age. Help  us  to  seek  with  all  our  hearts  thy  kh\g- 
doia,  assured  that  all  needful  things  will  be  added 
thereto.  Thou  art  love,  fill  us  with  that  deep  sense 
of  thy  mercy  which  shall  awaken  our  love  to  thee. 
Fill  us  with  that  love  of  God  that  shall  lead  us  to 
keep  thy  commandments,  with  that  love  of  God 
which  leads  us  to  love  all  thy  children.  And  fill  us 
with  that  love  of  thy  children  which  shall  show 
itself  in  forgetfulness  of  ourselves,  and  in  unselfish 
devotion  to  others'  service.  O  Father,  fill  us  with 
that  perfect  love  which  filled  our  Lord's  heart,  and 
led  him  to  labor  and  to  suffer  and  to  die  in  behalf 
of  men,  and  may  we  honor  him  by  walking  in  his 
steps,  going  about  doing  good,  serving  those  whom 
he  deigned  to  call  his  brethren.  And  may  the 
blessing  which  he  invoked  upon  all  who  believed  on 
him  through  his  Apostle's  word  descend  upon  us, 
and  at  length  upon  all  mankind,  and  the  world  be 
thus  filled  with  thy  glory.     Amen. 

13  8 


Special   Services. 


Special    Services. 


I. 

SUNDJY  MORNING. 

Now  the  shades  of  night  are  gone ; 
Now  the  morning  light  is  come  ; 
Lord,  may  we  be  thine  to-day. 
Drive  the  shades  of  sin  away. 

Fill  our  souls  with  heavenly  light, 
Banish  doubt,  and  clear  our  sight ; 
In  thy  service,  Lord,  to-day. 
May  we  stand  and  watch  and  pray. 

Episcopal  Coll. 

Thou,  Lord,  gavest  thy  people  judgment,  and  true  laws, 
good  statutes  and  commandments:  and  madest  known  unto 
them  thy  holy  Sabbath,  and  commandedst  them  precepts,  stat- 
utes, and  laws,  by  the  hand  of  Moses  thy  servant. 

Thus  saith  the  Lord,  Unto  them  that  keep  my  Sabbaths, 
and  choose  the  things  that  please  me,  and  take  hold  of  my 
covenant ; 

Even  unto  them  will  I  give,  in  mine  house  and  within  my 
walls,  a  place  and  a  name  better  than  of  sons  and  of  daugh- 
ters :  I  will  give  them  an  everlasting  name,  that  shall  not  be 
cut  off. 


294  SPECIAL  SERVICES. 

Tho  same  sun  arises  on  this  day,  and  enlightens  it ;  yet  be* 
cause  that  Sun  of  Righteousness  arose  upon  it,  and  gave  a 
new  life  unto  the  world  in  it,  and  drew  the  strength  of  God's 
moral  precept  unto  it,  therefore  justly  do  we  sing,  with  the 
Psalmist,  This  is  the  day  which  the  Lord  hath  made.  —  Bishop 
Hall 

Let  us  have  grace  whereby  we  may  serve  God  acceptably, 
with  reverence  and  godly  fear. 

God  is  a  spirit,  and  they  that  worship  him  must  worship  him 
in  spirit  and  in  truth. 

O  come,  let  us  sing  unto  the  Lord :  let  us  make  a  joyful 
noise  to  the  Rock  of  our  salvation. 

Let  us  come  before  his  presence  with  thanksgiving,  and 
make  a  joyful  noise  unto  him  with  psalms. 

For  the  Lord  is  a  great  God,  and  a  great  King  above  all 
gods. 

O  come,  let  us  worship  and  bow  down  :  let  us  kneel  before 
the  Lord  our  Maker. 

For  he  is  our  God ;  and  we  are  the  people  of  his  pasture, 
the  sheep  of  his  hand. 

To-day,  if  ye  will  hear  his  voice,  harden  not  your  hearts. 


OTHOU  who  in  the  beginning  didst  cause  the 
light  to  shine  out  of  darkness,  pour  into  our 
hearts,  with  this  morning  sunlight,  the  radiance  of 
that  revelation  which  maketh  all  things  new.  Thy 
mercies  are  new  every  morning  ;  may  our  faith  and 
hope  and  charity  be  renewed  to-day.     Make  us  new 


SUNDAY  MORNING.  295 

creatures  in  Christ.  This  is  life  eternal,  to  know 
thee,  the  only  true  God,  and  Jesus  Christ  whom 
thou  hast  sent.  May  we  learn  this  day  so  to  know 
him,  and  the  power  of  his  resurrection,  that  we  shall 
rise  from  the  bonds  of  the  flesh  and  the  deadness  of 
custom  into  the  Kfe  and  liberty  of  the  children  of 
God. 

God  of  peace,  enable  us  to  return  unto  our  rest 
this  day  by  waiting  on  thee  without  distraction,  in 
the  hearty  and  harmonious  devotion  of  all  our  facul- 
ties and  affections  to  thy  service,  which  is  perfect 
freedom.  Guard  us  from  seeking  our  Sabbath  in 
indolence,  which  is  not  our  rest.  Quicken  us  to 
arise  and  depart  out  of  the  very  thought  of  so  wor- 
shipping thee  acceptably,  and  in  the  active  life  of 
sulf-discipline,  piety,  and  mercy  to  honor  and  use 
chi^  day  in  a  manner  worthy  of  the  Son  of  man, 
and  grateful  to  the  Father  of  men. 

May  we  walk  in  the  light  of  that  life  and  immor- 
tality which  thy  Gospel  has  opened  to  the  world. 
Iday  we  live  above  the  world,  raised  by  faith  to  that 
mountain  of  the  Lord's  house,  where  memory  and 
hope  meet  and  witness  to  the  soul  of  possessions  and 
pleasures  that  know  no  change  of  time. 

May  the  Sun  of  Righteousness  rise  higher  and 
higher  over  the  world,  and  stretch  his  healing 
wings  more  and  more  around  the  hearts  and  homes 
and  nations  of  men.  Soon  may  all  the  families 
and   all   the   tribes  of  the   earth   make    one   great 


SPECIAL   SERVICES. 


family  in  the  kingdom  of  thy  Son.  May  our  be- 
loved land  soon  become  his  inheritance,  and  our 
people  that  holy  and  happy  people  whose  God  is 
the  Lord.  May  thy  kingdom  come  on  earth,  and 
hasten  thou  the  day  when  every  house  shall  be  a 
house  of  God,  and  every  day  a  Sabbath,  and  all 
the  thoughts  of  every  heart  shall  give  glory  to 
Him  who  sitteth  on  the  throne,  and  to  the  Lamb 
for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 


II. 

SUNDJr  MORNING, 

Blest  day  of  God  !  most  calm,  mast  hright, 

Thejirst  and  best  of  days  ; 

The  laborer's  rest,  the  saint's  delight, 

The  day  of  prayer  and  praise. 

Codman's  Coll. 

Prayer,  meditation,  reading,  hearing,  preaching,  singing, 
good  conference,  are  the  businesses  of  this  day,  which  I  dare 
not  bestow  on  any  work  or  pleasure,  but  heavenly.  —  Bishop 
Hall. 

When  ye  hear  the  Word  of  God,  surrender  yourselves 
wholly  to  it,  as  if  for  eternity,  with  a  full  purpose  of  will  to 
retain  it  in  your  mind,  and  to  order  your  life  according  to  it 
—  Tauler. 

Let  us  offer  the  sacrifice  of  praise  to  God  continually,  that 
is,  the  fruit  of  our  lips,  giving  thanks  to  his  name. 


SUNDAY  MORNING.  297 

But  to  do  good  and  communicate  forget  not,  for  with  such 
lacrifices  God  is  well  pleased. 

I  am  the  Lord  your  God ;  walk  in  my  statutes  and  keep 
my  judgments,  and  do  them  ; 

And  hallow  my  Sabbatho,  and  they  shall  be  a  sign  be- 
tween me  and  you,  that  ye  may  know  that  I  am  the  Lord 
your  God. 

It  is  better  to  plough  on  holy  days  than  to  do  nothing,  or  to 
do  viciously :  but  let  them  be  spent  in  the  works  of  the  day, 
that  is,  in  religion  and  charity.  —  Taylor. 

Deliver  us,  gracious  God,  from  boing  weary  of  thy  Sabbaths, 
which  are  ordained  to  preserve  in  our  hearts  the  knowledge 
erf  thee,  and  of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ.  —  Wilson. 

O  that  we  may  desire  and  rejoice  in  the  re*um  of  this  f^ay, 
and  serve  thee  faithfully  on  it;  and  that  we  may  enjoy  an 
everlasting  Sabbath  with  thy  saints  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.  — 
Wilson. 

Serve  the  Lord  with  gladness :  come  before  his  presence 
with  singing. 

Enter  into  his  gates  with  thanksgiving  and  into  his  court* 
with  praise :  be  thankful  unto  him,  and  bless  his  name. 

For  the  Lord  is  good;  his  mercy  is  everlasting;  and  hi? 
truth  endureth  to  all  generations. 


ETERNAL  Spirit  of  Truth,  with  reverential 
thoughts  and  grateful  emotions  we  bow  before 
thee  and  invoke  thy  favor.  Be  pleased  to  accept 
our  thanks  for  the  continuance  of  thy  loving-kind- 
ness to  us  through  another  week.     We  joyfully  hail 

13* 


298  SPECIAL   SERVICES. 

the  return  of  the  day  set  apart  by  thy  providence 
for  the  rest  of  the  weary,  for  the  culture  of  heav- 
enly good,  for  the  communion  of  the  soul  with  its 
inheritance  in  the  skies.  May  we  rightfully  im- 
prove the  precious  opportunities  of  the  time.  As- 
sist us.  Lord,  to  turn  away  from  vanity,  lust,  and 
care,  and  fix  our  attention  on  truth,  virtue,  and 
faith,  reahties  of  solid  and  everlasting  import.  Send 
thy  blessing  this  day  on  all  ministers  of  the  Gospel 
and  on  their  congregations.  Let  thy  gracious  pres- 
ence brood  over  them  to  make  their  meditations 
holy,  their  worship  fervent,  their  vows  effectual, 
that  the  kingdom  of  Christ  may  be  advanced  among 
men.  We  breathe  this  prayer  as  humble  disciples 
of  thy  Son.  O  answer  us  graciously,  and  thine 
shall  be  all  the  praise.     Amen, 


SUNDAY  MORNING.  299 

III. 

SUNDAT  MORNING, 

Sleepy  sleep  t(hday,  tormenting  cares. 

Of  earth  and  folly  bom  I 
Ye  shall  not  dim  the  light  that  streams 

From  this  celestial  mam. 

To-morrow  unU  be  time  enough 

To  feel  your  harsh  control ; 
Ye  shall  not  violate  this  day^ 

The  Sabbath  of  the  soul. 

Mrs.  Babbauld. 

Six  days  sbalt  thou  labor  and  do  all  thy  work;  but  the 
■eventh  day  is  the  Sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy  God. 

O  that  we  may  desire  and  rejoice  in  the  return  of  this  day, 
and  serve  thee  faithfully  on  it ;  that  we  may  enjoy  an  ever- 
lasting Sabbath  with  thy  Saints.  —  Wilson. 

Blessed  is  the  man  that  keepeth  the  Sabbath  from  pol- 
luting it,  and  keepeth  hb  hand  from  doing  any  evil. 

If  thou  turn  away  thy  foot  from  the  Sabbath,  from  doing 
thy  pleasure  on  my  holy  day ;  and  call  the  Sabbath  a  delight, 
the  holy  of  the  Lord,  honorable  ; 

And  shalt  honor  him,  not  doing  thine  own  ways,  nor  finding 
thine  own  pleasure,  nor  speaking  thine  own  words ; 

Then  shalt  thou  delight  thyself  in  the  Lord,  for  the  mouth 
of  the  Lord  hath  spoken  it. 

And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  from  one  Sabbath  to  anoth- 
er shall  all  flesh  come  to  worship  before  me,  saith  the  Lord. 


800  SPECIAL   SERVICES. 

Give  unto  the  Lord  the  glory  due  unto  his  name  ;  worship 
the  Lord  in  the  beauty  of  holiness. 

Be  of  a  ready  heart  and  mind,  free  from  worldly  cares  and 
thoughts,  diligent  to  hear,  careful  to  mark,  studious  to  remem- 
ber, and  desirous  to  practise  all  that  is  commanded,  and  lire 
according  to  it : 

Do  not  hear  for  any  other  end  but  to  become  better  in  your 
life,  and  to  be  instructed  in  every  good  work,  and  to  increase 
in  the  love  and  service  of  God.  —  Taylor. 

Be  not  carried  about  with  divers  and  strange'  doctrines :  for 
it  is  a  good  thing  that  the  heart  be  established  with  grace. 


OGOD,  thou  high  and  holy  one  I  With  rever- 
ence and  gladness  and  humble  love  would  we 
unite  in  thy  worship  on  this  hallowed  morning.  In 
the  spirit  of  thanksgiving  for  all  thy  past  mercies 
would  we  say,  Hitherto  hath  the  Lord  helped  us  I 
In  tranquil  trust  would  we  pray  that  thou  wilt  still 
be  our  God  and  guide.  With  penitent  hearts 
would  we  ask  the  pardon  of  our  sins,  and  grace 
to  reform  our  Hves.  O  breathe  upon  us  the  Holy 
Spirit  I  Renew  within  us  a  clean  heart.  May  we 
to-day  enter  into  the  rest  that  remains  for  thy  peo- 
ple, and  enjoy  a  foretaste  of  heaven.  May  our  own 
house  be  to  us  as  the  house  of  God ;  and  may  our 
hearts  be  in  tune  to  join  thy  public  praises. 

Be  graciously  present  in  every  worshipping  as- 
sembly ;  and  may  the  Gospel  message  be  proclaimed 


SUNDAY  MORNING.  301 

in  piirity  and  power.  Pity  the  careless  and  tlie 
prayerless.  O  send  out  thy  light  and  thy  truth, 
and  bring  thy  straying  children  home  to  their 
Father's  house.  Visit  with  consoling  grace  the 
habitations  of  sorrow.  Teach  all  mankind  to  love 
each  other  as  brethren,  and  to  put  away  the  evils 
which  afflict  and  desolate  the  earth.  May  the 
truths  of  Christ  be  welcomed  by  all  people  as  glad 
tidings  and  laws  of  life. 

Father  I  may  our  meditations  of  thee  be  sweet. 
May  the  repose  and  the  instructions  of  this  day 
strengthen  us  for  the  activities  and  trials  of  the 
week,  so  that  all  our  days  may  be  holy  unto  the 
Lord,  and  all  our  duties  sacred  as  divine  service, 
fitting  us  for  the  purer  worship  of  the  upper  temple. 
And  to  thee  be  praise  everlasting,  for  the  riches 
of  grace  and  glory  bestowed  on  us  through  Jesus 
Christ.     Amen. 


802  SPECIAL  SERVICES. 

IV. 

SUNDAr  EVENING, 

Glory  to  thee^  my  God,  this  nighty 
For  all  the  blessings  of  the  light: 
Keep  us,  0  keep  us,  King  of  kings, 
Under  thy  own  almighty  wings  ! 

Forgive  us,  Lord,  through  thy  dear  Son^ 
The  ill  that  we  this  day  have  done. 
That  with  the  world,  ourselves,  and  thee, 
We,  ere  we  sleep,  at  peace  may  he. 

Bishop  Ren. 

From  the  rising  of  the  sun  unto  the  going  down  of  the  same, 
the  Lord's  name  is  to  be  praised. 

Ye  that  love  the  Lord,  hate  evil ;  he  preserveth  the  souls  of 
his  saints ;  he  delivereth  them  out  of  the  hand  of  the  wicked. 

The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  in  every  place  beholding  the  evil 
and  the  good. 

The  sacrifice  of  the  wicked  is  an  abomination  to  the  Lord ; 
but  the  prayer  of  the  upright  is  his  delight. 

Seek  ye  the  Lord  while  he  may  be  found,  call  ye  upon  him 
while  he  is  near. 

Thou  shalt  fear  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  serve  hun. 

Ye  shall  diligently  keep  the  commandments  of  the  Lord 
your  God,  and  his  testimonies,  and  his  statutes,  which  he  hath 
commanded  thee. 

And  it  shall  be  our  righteousness,  if  we  observe  to  do  all 
these  commandments  before  the  Lord  our  God,  as  he  hath 
commanded  us. 


SUNDAY  EVENING.  303 

Heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away,  but  my  words  shall  not 
pass  away. 

Jesus  said,  Whosoever  will  come  after  me,  let  him  deny 
himself,  and  take  up  his  cross  and  follow  me. 

Whosoever  shall  be  ashamed  of  me,  and  of  my  words,  of 
him  shall  the  Son  of  man  be  ashamed,  when  he  cometh  in  the 
glory  of  his  Father  with  the  holy  angels.    . 

Every  one  that  doeth  evil  hateth  the  light,  neither  cometh 
to  the  light,  lest  his  deeds  should  be  reproved. 

But  he  that  doeth  truth,  cometh  to  the  light,  that  his  deeds 
may  be  made  manifest,  that  they  are  wrought  in  God. 


WE  love  thee,  O  our  God ;  and  we  desire  to 
love  thee  more  and  more.  Grant  to  us  that 
we  may  love  thee  as  much  as  we  desire,  and  as 
much  as  we  ought.  O  love  of  God,  ever  burning 
and  never  extinguished,  fire  in  the  unconsuming 
bush,  inflame,  and  preserve  by  inflaming,  our  hearts. 
May  the  tumult  of  the  senses  be  silent,  the  fan- 
tasies of  earth  and  air  be  still,  and  God  alone  be 
near  to  us  now. 

O  dearest  Friend,  who  hast  so  loved  and  saved  us, 
who  art  so  vitalizing  and  uplifting  us,  the  thought 
of  whom  is  so  sweet  and  always  growing  sweeter, 
come  with  Christ  and  dwell  in  our  hearts  ;  then 
thou  wilt  keep  a  watch  over  our  hps,  our  steps, 
our  deeds,  and  we  shall  not  need  to  be  anxious 
either  for  our  souls  or  our  bodies. 


804  SPECIAL  SERVICES. 

We  have  Kved,  O  Lord  of  light,  through  another 
day  of  thy  light.  Jesus,  our  Master,  has  led  ua 
to-day,  and  we  rest  in  quiet  this  evening,  sitting  at 
his  feet,  and  hearing  his  words. 

Our  souls,  made  in  thine  image,  now  feel  thee 
dwelling  in  them.  It  is  as  a  drop  of  water  holding 
in  it  the  image  of  the  sun.  Make  it  more  luminous, 
that  thine  image  in  us  may  be  seen  by  others. 

Give  us  love,  sweetest  of  all  gifts,  which  teaches 
and  learns,  and  knows  no  enemy,  —  love  which 
praises  or  blames,  but  never  suspects  or  injures. 
Give  us  in  our  hearts  pure  love,  born  of  thy  love 
to  us,  that  we  may  love  others  as  thou  lovest  us. 
Give  us  love,  never  idle,  never  weary  of  well-doing, 
which  never  faints  or  turns  or  goes  backward. 
Give  us  love,  which  flows  out  equally  to  old  and 
young,  poor  and  rich,  wise  and  foolish,  free  and 
slave,  black  and  white,  sick  and  well,  high  and  low, 
infidel  and  saint,  good  and  bad,  to  the  innocent 
child,  and  to  the  abandoned  and  corrupted  sinner. 
O  most  loving  Father  of  Jesus  Christ,  from  whom 
floweth  all  love,  let  our  hearts,  frozen  in  sin,  cold 
to  thee  and  cold  to  others,  be  warmed  by  this  divine 
(ire.     So  help  and  bless  us  in  thy  Son.     Amen. 


SUNDAY  EVENING.  305 


SVNDAT  EVENING. 

Fading,  still  fading  ^  the  last  beam  is  shining;  ' 
Father  in  heaven !  the  day  is  declining ; 
Safety  and  innocence  flee  with  the  light, 
Temptation  and  danger  walk  forth  with  the  night; 
From  the  fall  of  the  shade  till  the  mo'  ling  bells  chime. 
Shield  us  from  danger  and  keep  us  from  crime  ! 
Father  I  have  mercy,  through  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord ! 

Longfellow's  Coll. 

At  evening,  being  the  first  day  of  the  week,  when  the  doors 
were  shut,  came  Jesus,  and  stood  in  the  midst,  and  saith  unto 
Ihem,  Peace  be  unto  you. 

Watch,  for  ye  know  not  what  hour  your  Lord  doth  come. 

Watch  and  pray,  that  ye  enter  not  into  temptation:  the 
gpirit  indeed  is  willing,  but  the  flesh  is  weak. 

Jesus  said.  They  that  are  whole  need  not  a  physician ;  but 
they  that  are  sick. 

I  came  not  to  call  the  righteous,  but  sinners,  to  repentance. 

Blessed  are  they  which  do  hunger  and  thirst  after  right- 
eousness, for  they  shall  be  filled. 

Whosoever  cometh  to  me,  and  heareth  my  sayings  and 
doeth  them,  I  will  show  you  to  whom  he  is  like. 

He  is  like  a  man  which  built  an  house,  and  digged  deep, 
and  laid  the  foundation  on  a  rock ; 

And  when  the  flood  arose,  the  stream  beat  vehemently  upon 
that  house,  and  could  not  shake  it ;  for  it  was  founded  upon  a 
rock. 


306  SPECIAL  SERVICES. 

He  that  hath  my  commandraents  and  keepeth  tv^em,  ho 
it  is  that  loveth  me:  and  he  that  loveth  me  shall  be  loved 
of  my  Father,  and  I  will  love  him,  and  will  manifest  myself 
to  hhn. 

Ye  are  my  friends,  if  ye  do  whatsoever  I  command  you. 

These  things  I  command  you,  that  ye  love  one  another. 


OUR  Father,  we  kneel  before  thee  in  these  last 
moments  of  the  first  day,  to  thank  thee  for 
the  pure,  quiet  rest  of  the  Sabbath.  For  this  one 
day,  when  we  can  sit  down  and  be  still,  and  know 
that  thou  art  God,  —  can  set  our  life  afresh  by  thine 
everlasting  truth,  and  wash  ourselves  from  the  dust 
and  strife  of  the  world,  and  be  clean.  We  thank 
thee,  that  thou  hast  made  the  need  for  this  day  a  part 
of  our  nature,  and  made  the  needful  day  a  holy  day 
by  thy  grace. 

We  adore  thee,  that  thou  hast  made  it  a  day  when 
thy  children  can  go  home  from  the  school  of  the 
world,  and  be  fresh  and  free  for  worship  in  the 
home,  the  church,  or  in  the  outer  temple  of  nature,  — 
for  thoughts  of  thee,  and  of  the  dear  ones  who  have 
gone  from  us  to  thy  near  presence  in  heaven.  O 
forgive  us  if  we  have  broken  this  good  Sabbath  by 
any  hard  thought  or  word  or  deed  to  men,  or  by 
any  hard  bondage  to  thee.  And  may  the  blessing 
of  this  day  so  blend  with  the  repose  of  this  night, 
as  to  make  us  in  the  new  morning  more  true  and 


SUNDAY  EVENING.  307 

strong  for  all  work  of  the  week  to  come  than  we 
have  ever  heen  in  the  weeks  that  have  gone.  This 
in  the  spirit  of  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son,  our  Brother 
Amen, 


VI. 

SUNDAT  EVENING. 

Is  there  a  time  when  moments  Jlow 
More  lovelily  than  all  beside  f 
It  is,  of  all  the  times  beloWy 
A  Sabbath  eve  in  summer  tide. 

This  day  is  the  scripture  fulfilled  in  your  ears. 

Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thine  heart,  and 
with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy  might. 

And  these  words  which  I  command  thee  this  day  shall  be 
in  thine  heart : 

And  thou  shalt  teach  them  diligently  unto  thy  children,  and 
shalt  talk  of  them  when  thou  sittest  in  thine  house. 

I  will  call  upon  God :   evening  and  morning  will  I  pray, 
and  cry  aloud ;  and  he  shall  hear  my  voice. 

Let  my  prayer  be  set  forth  before  thee  as  incense,  and  the 
lifting  up  of  my  hands  as  the  evening  sacrifice. 

Whosoever  shall  not  receive  the  kingdom  of  God  as  a  little 
child,  he  shall  not  enter  therein. 

Have  faith  in  God. 

For  there  is  one  God,  and  there  is  none  other  but  he ; 


808  SPECIAL  SERVICES. 

And  to  love  him  with  all  the  heart,  and  with  all  the  under- 
standing, and  with  all  the  soul,  and  with  all  the  strength,  and 
to  love  his  neighbor  as  himself,  is  more  than  aU  whole  burnt- 
offerings  and  sacrifices. 

Blessed  are  they  that  hear  the  Word  of  God,  and  keep  it. 

Jesus  spake,  saying,  I  am  the  light  of  the  world :  he  that  fol- 
loweth  me  shall  not  walk  in  darkness,  but  shall  have  the  light 
of  life. 

If  any  man  serve  me,  let  him  follow  me ;  and  where  I  am, 
there  shall  also  my  servant  be  :  for  if  any  man  serve  me,  him 
will  my  Father  honor. 


OLORD  our  God,  to  whom  the  darkness  and 
the  light  are  both  aUke,  hearken,  we  humbly 
beseech  thee,  to  our  evening  prayer,  as  with  lowly 
confidence  we  bow  before  thee  in  our  domestic 
sanctuary.  We  give  thee  thanks,  O  God,  for  the 
blessed  day,  consecrated  to  religious  meditation  and 
Christian  worship,  whose  shadows  are  now  gathered 
around  us.  We  thank  thee  for  all  the  means  of 
grace  and  aids  to  holiness  which  it  brought  unto  us ; 
and  we  pray  that  thy  spirit  may  seal  our  hearts  with 
the  sanctifying  influences  of  its  impressive  associa- 
tions and  holy  rites,  and  cause  the  precious  fruits 
thereof  to  appear  in  our  lives.  If  we  have  heard 
thy  word  this  day  with  the  outward  ear,  grant,  O 
Lord,  that  it  may  take  effect  inwardly  in  our  hearts, 
purging  them  of  all  unrighteousness,  confirming 
tliem  in  the  right  faith,  quickening  them  with  heav- 


SUNDAY  EVENING.  309 

enly  hopes,  and  filling  them  with  comfort,  peace, 
and  gladness.  But  if  we  have  failed  to  improve 
our  opportunities,  and  have  turned  a  deaf  ear  to  the 
voice  of  Christian  instruction,  if  we  have  neglected 
thy  word  and  ordinances,  if  we  have  worshipped 
and  served  the  creature  more  than  the  Creator, 
if  we  have  consulted  our  ease  and  pleasure  more 
than  our  spiritual  health  and  edification,  O  God, 
remember  not  this  sin  against  us,  and  take  not  thy 
Holy  Spirit  from  us  ;  but  mercifully  forgive  us  and 
renew  us  again  unto  repentance,  that  hereafter,  re- 
membering the  day  which  thou  hast  made,  we  may 
worthily  use  it  according  to  thy  gracious  purpose. 

Bless,  O  God,  each  member  of  this  household, 
and  so  enhghten  us  with  thy  wisdom,  and  imbue  us 
with  the  Spirit  of  Christ  our  Lord,  that  the  out- 
going of  each  morning  and  the  incoming  of  each 
evening  may  find  us  nearer  to  the  gates  of  the 
New  Jerusalem,  and  in  closer  fellowship  with  those 
who  have  passed  from  death  unto  life,  and  put  on 
the  robes  of  immortality.  Shield  us  from  all  harm 
during  the  night-watches.  Fold  all  who  are  dear  to 
US  in  the  arms  of  thy  protecting  care,  and  preserve 
their  souls  unto  eternal  life,  through  thine  infinite 
mercy  in  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen, 


3J0  SPECIAL  SERVICES. 

VII. 
CHRISTMAS  EVE. 

Bright  was  the  guiding  star  that  led^ 

With  mild,  benignant  ray. 
The  Gentiles  to  the  lowly  shed 

Where  the  Redeemer  lay. 

But  loJ  a  brighter  J  clearer  light 

Now  points  to  his  abode : 
It  shines  through  sin  and  sorrow*s  nighty 

To  guide  us  to  our  Lord. 

Spirit  of  the  Psalms. 

When  Jesus  was  born  in  Bethlehem  of  Judaea,  in  the  days  of 
Herod  the  king,  behold  there  came  wise  men  from  the  east  to 
Jerusalem, 

Saying,  Where  is  he  that  is  born  King  of  the  Jews  ?  for  we 
have  seen  his  star  in  the  east. 

•    And  lo,  the  star  which  they  saw  in  the  east  went  before 
them,  till  it  came  and  stood  over  where  the  young  child  was. 

And  there  were  in  the  same  country  shepherds  abiding 
in  the  field,  keeping  watch  over  their  flock  by  night. 

And  lo,  the  angel  of  the  Lord  came  upon  them,  and  the 
glory  of  the  Lord  shone  round  about  them ;  and  they  were 
sore  afraid. 

And  the  angel  said  unto  them.  Fear  not:  for  behold,  I 
bring  you  good  tidings  of  great  joy,  which  shall  be  to  all 
people. 

For  unto  you  is  born  this  day,  in  the  city  of  David,  a  Sav- 
iour, which  is  Christ  the  Lord. 


CHRISTMAS  EVE.  311 

In  this  was  ma^nlfested  the  love  of  Grod  towards  us,  be- 
cause that  God  sent  his  only  begotten  Son  into  the  world, 
that  we  might  live  through  him. 

Herein  is  love,  not  that  we  loved  God,  but  that  he  loved 
us. 

Beloved,  if  God  so  loved  us,  we  ought  also  to  love  one 
another. 

Blessed  be  God,  even  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
the  Father  of  mercies,  and  the  God  of  all  comfort. 

Ye  know  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  though 
he  was  rich,  yet  for  your  sakes  he  became  poor,  that  ye  through 
his  poverty  might  be  rich. 


ALMIGHTY  God,  our  Father  in  heaven,  Crea- 
tor of  all  worlds,  thou  dost  make  manifest  thy 
power  and  wisdom  and  goodness  most  abundantly  in 
the  bestowal  of  life,  and  above  all  in  the  life  of  thy 
rational  creatures,  not  only  creatures  of  thine,  but 
children.  We  bless  thee  for  all  thy  mercies  to  us 
and  our  race  through  birth.  We  rejoice  that,  much 
as  we  are  commanded  to  labor  and  make  the  best 
use  of  our  talents,  thou  dost  enrich  us  from  the  very 
beginning  in  the  endowments  of  our  own  nature, 
and  the  treasures  of  genius  and  grace  that  are  born 
into  the  world  from  the  fulness  of  thy  light  and 
love.  This  night,  as  we  meditate  upon  the  nativity 
of  thy  beloved  Son,  we  bless  thee  for  all  thy  chosen 
Bervants,    patriarchs,    law-givers,   prophets,    sages, 


312  SPECIAL  SERVICES 

bards,  godly  and  gifted  men  and  women,  who,  by 
birth  as  well  as  nature,  were  sent  to  prepare  his 
way  or  speed  his  work. 

We  give  thee  thanks  for  the  mighty  yearning  of 
the  human  heart  for  the  coming  of  a  Saviour,  and 
the  constant  promise  of  thy  word  that  he  was  to 
come.  In  our  own  souls  this  night  ^ve  repeat  the 
humble  sighs  and  panting  aspirations  of  ancient 
men  and  ages,  and  own  that  our  souls  are  in  dark- 
ness and  infirmity,  without  faith  in  Him  who  comes 
to  bring  God  to  man  and  man  to  God.  We  bless 
thee  for  the  tribute  that  we  can  pay  to  him  from 
our  very  sense  of  need  and  dependence,  and  that 
our  own  hearts  can  so  answer  from  their  wilderness 
the  precursor's  cry,  "  Prepare  ye  the  way  of  the 
Lord."  In  us  the  rough  places  are  to  be  made 
smooth,  the  crooked  straight,  the  mountains  of  pride 
brought  low,  and  the  valleys  of  despondency  lifted 
up.  O  God,  prepare  thou  the  way  in  us  now,  and 
may  we  welcome  anew  thy  Holy  Child.  Hosanna ! 
blessed  be  he  who  cometh  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord! 

We  give  thee  thanks  this  night  for  our  home- 
blessings,  and  especially  for  all  birth-gifts  to  us  and 
our  children,  through  native  talents  and  dispositions. 
We  bless  thee  that  thou  hast  still  more  largely  en- 
dowed us  than  by  our  own  nature,  by  making  us 
heirs,  — joint-heirs  in  the  riches  born  into  the  world 
in  Jesus  Christ.     We  rejoice  that  in  him  we  may 


CHRISTMAS  EVE.  313 

be  made  whole,  and  that  not  only  by  his  godly  ex- 
ample and  spotless  life  and  sacrificial  death,  but  also 
by  his  nativity,  we  are  enriched  and  comforted.  We 
ask  for  thy  grace  to  help  us  understand  and  enjoy 
more  deeply  and  truly  the  day  of  his  birth,  and  to 
praise  thee,  not  only  for  what  he  did  for  us  by  his 
work,  but  what  thou  didst  for  him  and  for  us  in  his 
very  being.  O  God,  our  Father  in  heaven,  quicken 
within  us  the  childlike  spirit,  that  by  more  filial 
trust  in  thee  we  may  enter  into  the  life  of  thy  be- 
loved Son,  and  learn  how  precious  to  us  is  that 
Divine  Sonship  that  rebukes  and  corrects  the  frail- 
ties of  our  nature,  and  presents  us  in  our  accepted 
Head  before  thee  as  the  children  of  heavenly  adDp- 
tion. 

We  offer  this,  our  prayer,  in  the  name  of  thy 
io\j  child  Jesus,  and  trusting  in  the  fellowship  of 
hy  Holy  Spirit.     Amevu 


314  SPECIAL  SERVICES. 

VIII. 

CHRISTMAS  MORNING, 

HaU  I  haUf  auspicious  morn  ! 

The  Saviour  Christ  is  born! 
{Such  was  the  immortal  seraph's  song  sublime  ;y 

Glory  to  God  in  heaven  I 

On  earth  sweet  peace  be  given, 
Sweet  peace  and  friendship  to  the  end  of  time  ! 

Dr.  Gardiner,  from  Miltxm. 

How  beautiful  upon  the  mountains  are  the  feet  of  him  that 
bringeth  good  tidings,  that  publisheth  peace ;  that  publisheth 
salvation ;  that  saith  unto  Zion,  Thy  God  reigneth. 

The  Lord  hath  comforted  his  people. 

For  God  so  loved  the  world,  that  he  gave  his  only  begotten 
Son,  that  whosoever  belie veth  in  him  should  not  perish,  but 
have  everlasting  life. 

All  the  ends  of  the  earth  shall  see  the  salvation  of  our 
God. 

Glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  and  on  earth  peace,  good-will 
to  men. 

For  God,  who  coran>aiided  the  light  to  shine  out  of  darkness, 
hath  shined  in  our  hearts,  to  give  the  light  of  the  knowledge 
of  the  glory  of  God  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ. 

Thanks  be  to  God  for  his  unspeakable  gift. 

This  is  a  faithful  saying,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that 
Christ  Jesus  came  into  the  world  to  save  sinners. 

Let  the  word  of  Christ  dwell  in  you  richly  in  all  wisdom; 
teaching  and  admonishing  one  another  in  psalms  and  hymns, 


CHRISTMAS  MORNING.  315 

and  spiritual  songs,  singing  with  grace  in  your  hearts  to  the 
Lord. 

And  whatsoever  ye  do  in  word  or  deed,  do  all  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord  Jesus,  giving  thanks  to  God  and  the  Father  by 
him. 

Whosoever  would  fully  and  feelingly  understand  the  words 
of  Christ,  must  endeavor  to  conform  his  life  wholly  to  the  life 
of  Christ.  —  A  Kempis. 

As  ye  have  therefore  received  Christ  Jesua  the  Lord,  so 
walk  ye  in  him  : 

Rooted  and  built  up  in  him,  and  stablished  in  the  faith,  as 
ye  have  been  taught,  abounding  therein,  with  thanksgiving, 

I  can  do  all  things  through  Christ,  which  strengtheneth  me. 


OTHOU,  who  art  the  Source  of  all  life  I  with 
the  coming  of  this  morning  we  humbly  ac- 
knowledge the  chiefest  expression  of  thy  paternal 
tenderness.  We  bless  thee  for  the  incarnation  of 
thy  ceaseless  love  in  Jesus  Christ.  We  bless  thee 
for  his  advent  as  the  manifestation  of  thyself,  thine 
unforgetful  care  and  merciful  purposes.  In  our 
darkness,  thou  hast  sent  us  the  light.  In  our  igno- 
rance, thou  hast  given  us  the  truth.  In  our  fears, 
thou  hast  cheered  us  with  the  hope  of  immortality. 
For  the  birth  of  the  Teacher  of  thy  wisdom,  for 
Him  who  has  shown  us  the  Father,  we  bring  thee 
the  sacrifice  of  thanksgiving.  We  rejoice  in  the 
Day-spring  from  on  high.     For  the  doings  of  the 


816  SPECIAL  SERVICES. 

Word  made  flesh  our  praises  ascend  to  thee,  the 
Infinite  Fountain  of  all  blessedness  I  We  offer 
unto  thee  the  tribute  of  gratitude  for  the  glad 
tidings  and  for  all  their  benignant  influences.  We 
recognize  thy  near  and  gracious  providence  in  the 
introduction  and  spread  of  the  Gospel,  and  in  all 
that  it  has  done  for  mankind  I  To  thee  we  owe 
the  humane  and  fraternal  spirit  it  has  inculcated 
and  cherished ;  its  promises  of  forgiveness  to  the 
penitent ;  its  consolations  for  the  afflicted ;  its  rest 
for  the  weary  and  heavy-laden ;  its  promises  of 
the  better  life  to  come !  Especially,  O  Thou  who 
hast  set  the  solitary  in  families,  would  we  this  day 
remember  our  indebtedness  to  thee,  for  the  kindly 
sympathies,  the  mutual  helpfulness,  the  sweet  privi- 
leges, the  near  and  endearing  relations,  which  enrich 
the  Christian  home.  For  the  Man  of  Sorrows,  who 
was  acquainted  with  grief  and  touched  with  a  feel- 
inor  of  our  infirmities :  for  Him  who  took  little 
children  in  his  arms,  and  assured  us  that  of  such 
is  the  kingdom  of  heaven  ;  for  the  Friend  who  hath 
said,  "  Thy  brother  shall  rise  again  " ;  for  Him  who 
has  thus  sanctified  and  encouraged  our  purest 
affections,  and  lifted  them  above  the  conceptions 
of  earth  and  the  fear  of  the  grave,  —  we  render 
unto  thee  ^the  praise  of  trustful  hearts.  Increase, 
we  beseech  thee,  our  faith  in  Jesus  ;  help  us  to  be 
his  obedient  disciples,  that  we  may  be  admitted  to 
the  mansions  of  his  Father's  house.     And  grant,  O 


NEW  YEAR'S  EVE.  317 

God,  that  the  purposes  of  the  Saviour's  mission 
may  be  fulfilled,  till  everywhere  there  shall  be  Glo- 
ry to  thee  in  the  highest,  peace  on  earth,  and 
good- will  toward  men.     Amen. 


IX. 

NEfF  rEJR'S  EVE. 

O  God  !  to  thee  our  hearts  would  pay 

Their  gratitude  sincere, 
Whose  love  hath  kept  us,  night  and  day. 

Throughout  another  year. 

For  joy  and  grief  alike  we  pay 

Our  thanks  to  thee  above  ; 
And  only  pray  to  grow  each  day 

More  worthy  of  thy  love. 

Gaskell. 

It  is  of  the  Lord's  mercies  that  we  are  not  consumed,  h^f 
cause  his  compassions  fail  not. 

They  are  new  every  morning. 

Thou  crownest  the  year  with  thy  goodness. 

The  Lord  is  good  unto  them  that  wait  for  him,  to  the  soul 
that  seeketh  him. 

Let  us  lift  up  our  heart  with  our  hands  unto  God  in  the 
heavens. 

Behold  God  is  great;  we  know  him  not,  neither  can  the 
number  of  his  years  be  scai*ched  out. 


318  SPECIAL   SERVICES. 

When  a  few  years  are  come,  then  I  shall  go  the  way  whence 
I  shall  not  return. 

The  days  of  our  years  are  threescore  years  and  ten ;  and 
if  by  reason  of  strength  they  be  fourscore  years,  yet  is  their 
strength  labor  and  sorrow ;  for  it  is  soon  cut  off,  and  we  fly 
away. 

So  teach  us  to  number  our  days,  that  we  may  apply  our 
hearts  unto  wisdom. 

O  satisfy  our  souls  with  thy  mercy,  that  we  may  rejoice 
and  be  glad  all  our  days. 

We  are  strangers  and  sojourners,  as  were  all  our  fathers ; 
our  days  on  the  earth  are  as  a  shadow,  and  there  is  none 
abiding. 

Who  knoweth  what  is  good  for  man  in  this  life,  all  the  days 
of  his  vain  life  which  he  spendeth  as  a  shadow. 

This  very  instability  of  human  things,  O  God,  is  in  the 
perfections  of  thy  decrees,  that  by  it  we  may  be  compelled 
to  seek  after  solid  and  unchangeable  good.  —  St.  Gregory/. 

Thou  art  my  hope,  O  Lord  God,  thou  art  my  trust. 
Blessed  be  the  Lord,  for  he  hath  showed  me  his  marvellous 
kindness. 


0  EVER-KIND,  ever-loving,  but  ever-holy  God, 
how  can  we  render  unto  thee  fit  thanks  for 
thine  unmeasured  mercy,  how  acknowledge  with 
due  humility  our  un worthiness  and  sin  I  At  every 
station  upon  our  journey  of  life,  as  we  pause  and 
look  over  the  past,  we  see  the  crowded  tokens  of 
thy  loving-kindness,  thy  tender  care,  thy  watchful 
providence,  and  wo  recall  also  abundant  memories 


NEW   YEAR'S  EVE:  319 

of  our  errors,  our  short-comings,  and  our  transgres- 
sions. We  would,  O  Father,  return  thee  thanks 
for  all  that  we  have  hitherto  enjoyed,  and  for  every 
opportunity  which  thou  hast  granted  us  for  becom- 
ing or  for  doing  good.  For  the  supply  of  our  daily 
needs,  and  for  all  that  thou  hast  added  of  the  com- 
forts and  joys  of  life,  for  all  that  has  charmed  the 
eye  and  the  ear,  for  the  treasures  of  knowledge  and 
wisdom,  for  the  affections  that  bind  us  together,  and 
for  the  hope  given  through  our  Lord  Jesus,  that 
those  who  love  him  and  love  each  other  shall  have 
eternal  communion  and  fellowship  with  each  other 
and  with  him ;  for  these,  and  for  every  other  gift  of 
thy  providence  and  of  thy  grace,  we  would  give 
thee  thanks,  and  we  pray  thee  that  thy  good  spirit 
may  help  us  show  our  gratitude  by  obedience  to  thy 
commands. 

Holy  Father,  forgive  us  the  sins  of  the  past,  and 
if  thou  dost  allow  us  to  see,  still  longer,  days  upon 
earth,  help  us  to  spend  them  in  thy  service.  May 
the  year  that  is  coming  find  us  watchful  to  learn 
what  is  thy  will,  and  to  keep  thy  commandments. 
Help  us  to  be  helpers  of  each  other  in  all  that  is 
good,  and  to  be  helpers  of  all  men  as  we  have 
opportunity ;  and  if  thou  shouldst  spare  us  to  see 
many  years  upon  earth,  may  each  one  find  us  more 
watchful  over  ourselves,  more  resigned  to  thy  will, 
more  zealous  in  thy  service,  more  observant  of 
opportunities  to  do  good.     Aw  en. 


820  SPECIAL   SERVICES.^ 


NEW  TEJR'S  DAT. 

Spared  to  see  another  year^ 
Let  thy  blessing  meet  us  here ; 
Come,  thy  dying  work  revive, 
Bid  thy  drooping  garden  thrive  ; 
Sun  of  righteousness,  arise  ! 
Warm  our  hearts,  and  bless  our  eyes  ; 
Let  our  prayer  thy  mercy  move. 
Make  this  year  a  time  of  love. 

Olney's  Hymns. 

Jesus  spake  also  this  parable :  A  certain  man  had  a  fig-tree 
planted  in  his  vineyard ;  and  he  came  and  sought  fruit  thereon 
and  found  none. 

Then  said  he  unto  the  dresser  of  his  vineyard,  Behold,  these 
three  years  I  came  seeking  fruit  on  this  fig-tree,  and  find 
none ;  cut  it  down ;  why  cumbereth  it  the  ground. 

And  he,  answering,  said  unto  him,  Lord,  let  it  alone  this 
year  also,  till  I  shall  dig  about  it  and  dung  it. 

And  if  it  bear  fruit,  well ;  and  if  not,  then  after  that  thou 
shalt  cut  it  down. 

O  my  God,  take  me  not  away  in  the  midst  of  my  days ;  thy 
years  are  throughout  all  generations. 

The  Lord  is  very  pitiful,  and  of  tender  mercy. 

If  every  year  we  would  root  out  one  vice,  we  should  sooner 
become  perfect  men.  —  A  Kempis. 

Alas !  length  of  days  doth  more  often  make  our  sins  the 
greater  than  our  lives  the  better.  —  A   Kempis. 


NEW  YEAR'S  DAY.  321 

O  send  out  thy  light  and  thy  truth ;  let  them  lead  me ;  let 
them  bring  me  unto  thy  holy  hill,  and  to  thy  tabernacles. 

Awake  thou  that  sleepest,  and  arise  from  the  dead,  and 
Christ  shall  give  thee  light. 

See,  then,  that  ye  walk  circumspectly,  not  as  fools,  but  as 
wise,  redeeming  the  time  ;  and  if  ye  call  on  the  Father,  who 
without  respect  of  persons  judgeth  according  to  every  man's 
work,  pass  the  time  of  your  sojourning  here  in  fear. 

For  the  time  past  of  our  life  may  suffice  us  to  have  wrought 
the  will  of  the  Gentiles. 

Wherefore,  laying  aside  all  malice,  and  all  guile,  and  all 
envies,  and  all  evil  speakings  ; 

Having  your  conversation  honest,  honor  all  men,  love  the 
brotherhood,  fear  God. 

Morning. 

OTHOU  who  art  our  Dwelling-place  in  all  gen- 
erations, we  rejoice  in  the  light  of  this  new 
day,  and  with  grateful  and  devout  minds  we  would 
acknowledge  thy  love  in  all  the  vicissitudes  of  our 
earthly  lot,  whether  it  be  in  the  changing  year,  the 
procession  of  the  seasons,  summer  and  winter,  day 
and  night,  or  in  our  lives  as  we  feel  the  motion  of 
thy  providence  in  time  and  events.  O  God,  we 
thank  thee,  we  bless  thee,  for  that  gentle  influence 
and  happy  in  dination  of  human  life,  by  which  our 
increasing  da]  s  bring  into  our  souls  a  deeper  sense 
of  the  great  spiritual  realities,  by  which  the  glaring 
light  of  this  world  becomes  softened,  and  the  powers 

14*  u 


322  SPECIAL  SERVICES. 

of  the  world  to  come  are  manifest  in  the  upper  deep. 
In  harmony  with  this  spirit  and  temper  of  our  hfe, 
as  directed  by  thee,  we  would  stand  in  reverence, 
gratitude,  and  joy  upon  the  borders  of  a  new  year : 
with  reverence,  because  of  thy  power  mingled  in  the 
stream  of  our  lives  ;  with  gratitude,  because  of  thy 
love  ;  with  joy,  because  of  our  building  of  God,  our 
house  not  made  with  hands.  O  God,  as  we  feel  the 
insecurity  of  all  things  below,  may  the  bright  foun- 
dations of  the  eternal  city  be  firm  and  glorious. 
May  we  not  repine  at  the  swiftness  of  our  mortal 
days,  but  live  the  life  of  the  spirit  in  the  eternal 
now  of  God.  Whatever  new  experiences  the  past 
year  has  brought,  may  they  descend  in  wisdom  and 
blessing  on  teachable  and  childlike  hearts.  Help 
us  to  call  to  mind  our  errors,  our  follies,  and  our 
sins,  and  in  penitence  to  seek  thy  forgiveness. 

We  ask  thy  blessing  upon  us  in  the  mutual  con- 
gratulations and  joys  of  the  season.  May  they  not 
be  formal,  but  the  warm  and  honest  gush  of  good 
hearts,  that  love  God  and  wish  all  his  children  well. 
O  be  patient  with  the  thoughtless,  and  give  them 
such  experience  as  shall  bring  into  their  souls  a 
subdued  and  steady  strength.  We  would  begin 
the  year  with  new  trust  in  thee ;  and  help  us, 
O  God,  to  bring  our  lives,  up  to  our  tl  ought. 
Amen. 


NEW   YEARS  DAY.  323 

Evening. 

ETERNAL  God  I  thou  who  art  the  same  yes- 
terday, to-day,  and  forever,  and  with  whom  is 
no  variableness  nor  shadow  of  turning,  to  thee  be 
glory  and  honor,  dominion  and  power  everlasting. 
We  have  entered  upon  the  life  of  the  new  year, 
and  tried  the  experiment  of  our  new  resolutions  for 
the  day  that  is  now  closing.  Heavenly  Father,  has 
it  been  more  acceptable  in  thy  sight  than  the  days 
of  the  year  that  is  now  past  forever?  Have  we 
more  earnestly  worked,  or  more  fondly  prayed,  or 
more  glorified  thy  name  through  this  day's  life,  than 
in  that  former  time  over  which  we  now  mourn? 
Help  us  to  hear  the  answer  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  as 
it  whispers  to  our  souls  its  approbation  or  rebuke. 
For,  O  our  Father,  we  would  not  live  without  grow- 
ing better  and  wiser  and  purer,  through  the  disci- 
pline of  our  daily  life,  or  without  feeling,  as  time 
passes  and  days  and  years  are  numbered,  that  we 
are  finding  a  harmonious  residence  in  thy  kingdom 
of  Nature  and  Providence.  We  would  learn  to 
live  more  and  more  in  the  things  which  do  not 
perish  with  the  using,  things  which  change  not 
with  time ;  not  in  things  which  are  seen,  for  they 
are  temporal,  but  in  things  which  are  not  seen,  foi 
they  are  eternal.  To  this  end,  bless  our  evening 
worship ;  to  this  end  sanctify  all  our  experiences  of 
joy  or  sorrow,  that,  while  all  things  else  grow  old 


824  SPECIAL   SERVICES. 

and  die  with  the  changing  years,  our  lives  may  be 
calm,  strong,  and  peaceful,  because  hid  with  Christ 
in  God.  May  we  find  comfort  and  help  in  the 
tranquillity  and  immensity  of  thy  creation,  and  feel 
ourselves  a  part  of  a  beneficent  order,  wherein  not 
an  atom  nor  a  star  can  perish.  But  O  enable  us  to 
find  a  still  higher  consolation  in  the  sweet  thought 
that  thou  art  with  us,  not  only  as  thou  art  with  the 
atom  and  the  star,  but  as  a  father  and  friend,  guid- 
ing and  saving  us.  May  we  lie  down  to  sleep  this 
night,  feeling  that  all  our  sins  have  been  forgiven, 
and  that  we  may  try  the  experiment  of  life  anew 
on  the  morrow.  Bless  all  who  are  dear  to  us  ;  and, 
when  life's  anxious  scene  is  over,  take  us  to  thyself, 
and  to  thee  shall  be  the  glory  forever.     Amen, 


THANKSGIVING-DAY  MORNING.  325 

XI. 

VHANKSGIVING-DAY  MORNING 

All  that  spring  with  bounteous  hand 
Scatters  o'er  the  smiling  land  ; 
All  that  liberal  autumn  pours 
From  her  rich  overflowing  stores  ; 

These  to  thee,  our  God!  we  owe, 
Source  whence  all  our  blessings  Jlow  ! 
And  for  these  our  souls  shall  raise 
Grateful  vows  and  solemn  praise. 

Mrs.  Barbauld. 

The  Lord  said  in  his  heart,  While  the  earth  remaineth,  seed- 
time and  harvest,  and  cold  and  heat,  and  summer  and  winter, 
and  day  and  night  shall  not  cease. 

Let  us  now  fear  the  Lord  our  God,  that  giveth  rain,  both 
the  former  and  the  latter,  in  his  season ;  he  reserveth  unto 
us  the  appointed  weeks  of  his  harvest. 

Be  thou  exalted,  O  God,  above  the  heavens;  let  thy  glory- 
be  above  all  the  earth. 

What  thanks  can  we  render  to  God  ? 

Let  us  offer  the  sacrifice  of  praise  to  God  continually,  that 
is,  the  fruit  of  our  lips,  giving  thanks  to  his  name. 

In  psalms,  and  hymns,  and  spiritual  songs,  singing  and 
making  melody  in  your  heart  to  the  Lord. 

Giving  thanks  always  for  all  things  unto  God  and  the 
Father,  in  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus. 

Honor  the  Lord  with  thy  substance,  and  with  the  first-fruits 
of  all  thine  increase. 


326  SPECIAL  SERVICES. 

So  shall  thy  barns  be  filled  with  plenty. 

And  ye  shall  eat  in  plenty,  and  be  satisfied,  and  praise  the 
name  of  the  Lord  your  God,  that  hath  dealt  wondrously  with 
you. 

O  merciful  Father,  give  me  grace  for  the  time  to  come  to 
observe  and  to  value  thy  kindnesses,  as  becomes  one  who  has 
received  so  much  more  than  he  deserves.  —  Wilson. 


ALMIGHTY  and  most  merciful  God :  tliou  who 
art  the  Fountain  of  all  blessedness  and  the 
Giver  of  every  good  and  every  perfect  gift,  with 
gratefiil  hearts  we  come  before  thee  to  acknowledge 
thy  goodness  and  to  ascribe  praise  to  thy  great  and 
holy  name.  We  thank  thee  that  thou  hast  per- 
mitted us  to  behold  the  light  of  another  morning. 
We  thank  thee  for  another  return  of  this  day  in 
which  we  are  to  commemorate  the  tokens  of  thy 
love  to  us,  and  for  all  its  sacred  interests  and  asso- 
ciations. 

How  precious  have  been  thy  thoughts  unto  us, 
O  God,  how  great  has  been  the  sum  of  them.  We 
praise  thee,  we  bless  thee,  that  thou  hast  given  us 
peace  within  our  borders,  and  health  in  our  habita- 
tion ;  that  thou  hast  preserved  to  us  the  privileges 
of  civil  and  religious  liberty  ;  that  thou  hast  fulfilled 
thy  promise  of  old,  that,  while  the  earth  remaineth, 
seed-time  and  harvest  shall  never  cease ;  that  thou 
hast  afforded  us  so  many  opportunities  for  useful- 


THANKSGIVING-DAY  MORMNG.  327 

ness,  for  improvement,  and  for  happiness.  How 
constant  has  been  thy  care,  how  ceaseless  thy  prov- 
idence, how  unremitting  thy  love.  We  would  call 
upon  our  souls  and  all  that  is  within  us  to  praise 
thee  and  to  bless  thy  name  forevermore. 

Impress  upon  our  minds  more  deeply,  we  beseech 
thee,  O  God,  our  dependence  upon  thee.  Enable 
us  to  realize  more  fully  that  it  is  in  thee  we  live 
and  move  and  have  our  being;  that  we  are  in- 
debted to  thee  for  all  our  privileges  and  all  our 
enjoyments ;  for  the  sacred  interests  of  home  ;  for 
the  pleasures  of  social  intercourse ;  for  opportuni- 
ties for  doing  good ;  for  the  means  of  grace  and 
the  hope  of  glory. 

Wilt  thou  continue  thy  favors  to  us,  O  Father? 
and  lead  us  into  the  paths  of  righteousness,  truth, 
and  peace. 

We  would  remember  before  thee  our  friends,  and 
all  who  are  near  and  dear  to  us ;  and  whatsoever 
things  we  ask  for  ourselves,  we  beseech  thee  to 
grant  unto  them. 

And  may  thy  kingdom  come,  and  thy  will  be 
done  here  on  earth  as  it  is  done  in  heaven.  And 
unto  thee,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour,  shall 
be  given  all  praise  evermore.     Amen, 


328  SPECIAL  SERVICES, 

XII. 

THJNKSGIVING-DJr  EVENING. 

Great  Source  of  unexhausted  goody 

Who  giv'st  us  health  and  friends  and  foody 

A  nd  peace,  and  calm  content. 

Like  fragrant  incense,  to  the  skies. 

Let  songs  of  grateful  praises  rise 

For  all  thy  blessings  lent. 

Exeter  Coll. 

Blessed  is  the  man  that  trusteth  in  the  Lord,  and  whose 
hope  the  Lord  is. 

For  he  shall  be  as  a  tree  planted  by  the  waters. 

Two  things  have  I  required  of  thee ;  deny  me  them  not. 

Remove  me  far  from  vanity  and  lies ;  give  me  neither  pov- 
erty nor  riches ;  feed  me  with  food  convenient  for  me. 

Lest  I  be  full  and  deny  thee,  and  say.  Who  is  the  Lord  ?  or 
lest  I  be  poor  and  steal,  and  take  the  name  of  the  Lord  in 
vain. 

Keep  me  under  the  protection  of  thy  good  providence,  and 
make  me  to  have  a  perpetual  fear  and  love  of  thy  holy  name. 
—  Wilson. 

Give  me  grace  never  to  condemn  thy  providence ;  let  me 
adore  the  wisdom  of  thy  conduct,  the  holiness  of  thy  ways, 
and  the  power  of  thy  grace.  —  Wilson. 

Trust  in  the  Lord  and  do  good ;  so  shalt  thou  dwell  in  the 
Lord,  and  verily  thou  shalt  be  fed. 

Consider  the  ravens ;  for  they  neither  sow  nor  reap :  which 


THJ NKSGIVING-DAY  EVENING.         329 

neither  have  storehouse  nor  barn;  and  God  feedeth  them; 
how  much  more  are  ye  better  than  the  fowls.  ^ 

Seek  not  ye  what  ye  shall  eat,  or  what  ye  shall  drink, 
neither  be  ye  of  doubtful  mind. 

But  rather  seek  ye  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  all  these 
things  shall  be  added  unto  you. 

Praise  the  Lord,  call  upon  his  name,  declare  his  doings 
among  the  people. 

Sing  unto  the  Lord;  for  he  hath  done  excellent  things; 
this  is  known  in  all  the  earth. 


WE  thank  thee,  our  Heavenly  Father,  for  the 
enjoyments  of  this  day.  May  our  hearts 
rejoice  in  the  Lord,  and  our  souls  be  glad  in  the 
God  of  their  salvation.  Thou  hast  crowned  the  year 
with  thy  goodness,  and  under  thy  watchful  provi- 
dence our  paths  are  enriched  with  all  things  need- 
ful. Thou  hast  spread  our  table  with  thy  bounties, 
and  made  our  cups  to  run  over.  We  desire  to 
add  to  our  happiness  a  holier  joy,  by  acknowledging 
thee  to  be  the  Author  of  it  and  of  all  good.  May 
our  use  of  thy  gifts  not  end  in  sensual  enjoyment, 
may  they  be  regarded  as  motives  to  gratitude,  and 
as  tokens  of  the  love  which  blesses  us  always. 
May  it  be  our  prayer  and  earnest  desire  that  thy 
kingdom  may  come  in  our  hearts  and  our  home, 
that  kingdom  which  is  not  meat  or  drink,  but 
righteousness  and  peace  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Spirit. 


330  SPECIAL  SERVICES. 

And  we  pray  that  thy  goodness,  in  the  providence 
that  every  day  sustains  us,  and  blesses  us  in  ways 
so  manifold,  may  nourish  in  us  a  grateful  and  affec- 
tionate spirit,  may  lead  us  to  repentance  for  our 
sins,  and  to  a  deep  and  living  faith  in  thee. 

Thou  hast  permitted  us  to  see  each  others'  faces 
to-day  in  peace  and  happiness,  and  to  spend  the 
hours  in  glad  and  loving  intercourse.  May  our 
love  be  quickened  and  our  affections  made  purer 
by  the  happy  memories  of  the  day.  May  the  joy 
we  have  felt  abide  in  us,  drawing  us  nearer  in  love 
and  mutual  kindness  in  the  days  to  come,  so  that 
we  shall  be  preparing,  as  time  passes,  for  the  per- 
fect communion,  the  unbroken  friendship,  and  cease- 
less thanksgiving  of  heaven. 

We  remember  with  tenderness  and  affection  those 
with  us  in  former  years,  but  now  gone  from  our 
earthly  acquaintance.  They  are  not  lost,  we  do 
not  mourn  for  them.  We  pray  that  thou  wilt  keep 
our  love  unwasted  and  unchanged  till  we  meet 
them  again  in  a  better  world.  May  we  so  live 
now  that  our  souls  may  be  in  fellowsliip  with  tlieir 
glorified  spirits. 

O  our  Father,  whose  loving-kindness  has  given 
that  for  which  we  have  so  much  reason  to  be  thank- 
ful, let  not  our  gratitude  end  with  this  day.  May 
this  be  the  emblem  of  each  day  to  come,  and  may 
the  spirit  of  this  happy  festival  brighten  and  cheer 
our  home  as  each  new  day  reveals  now  proofs  of 
thy  love. 


FAST-DAY.  331 

Take  us  into  thy  holy  keeping  this  night,  may 
thine  angels  defend  us.  Let  thy  peace  descend 
into  our  hearts,  as  sleep  falls  on  our  eyelids.  We 
rest  in  thee,  and  thine  everlasting  arms  are  our 
refuge.  Keep  us  in  life  or  take  us  in  death,  that, 
living  or  dying,  we  may  be  ever  with  thee. 

In  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  through  whom  we 
know  thee,  our  Father,  we  offer  our  prayer,  and 
ascribe  to  thee  and  to  him  honor  and  glory  and 
power  now  and  evermore.     Amen, 


XIII. 
FJST-DJr, 


Is  this  a  fast,  to  keep 

The  larder  Uan, 

A  nd  clean 
From  fat  ofneats  and  sheep  f 

Is  it  to  fast  an  hour, 

Or  ragged  to  go, 

Or  show 
A  downcast  look  and  sour  t 

It  is  to  fast  from  strife, 

From  old  debate 

And  hate  ; 
To  circumcise  thy  life; 


332  SPECIAL  SERVICES. 

To  starve  thy  sin^ 
Not  bin : 
And  that  *s  to  keep  thy  Lent ! 

Herrick. 

Sanctify  ye  a  fast,  call  a  solemn  assembly,  gather  the  elders 
and  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  land  unto  the  house  of  the  Lord 
your  God,  and  cry  unto  the  Lord. 

Now,  saith  the  Lord,  Turn  ye  even  to  me  with  all  your 
heart,  and  with  fasting,  and  with  weeping,  and  with  mourn- 
ing; 

And  rend  your  hearts  and  not  your  garments,  and  turn 
unto  the  Lord  your  God ;  for  he  is  gracious  and  merciful,  slow 
to  anger,  and  of  great  kindness. 

Is  not  this  the  fast  that  I  have  chosen  ?  to  loose  the  bands 
of  wickedness,  to  undo  the  heavy  burdens,  and  to  let  the 
oppressed  go  free  ? 

Is  it  not  to  deal  thy  bread  to  the  hungry,  and  that  thou 
bring  the  poor  that  are  cast  out  to  thy  house  ? 

To  do  justice  and  judgment  is  more  acceptable  to  the  Lord 
than  sacrifice. 

Thus  saith  the  Lord  of  Hosts,  Turn  ye  now  from  your  evil 
ways,  and  from  your  evil  doings. 

Turn  ye  unto  me,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts,  and  I  will  turn 
unto  you. 

These  are  the  things  that  ye  shall  do ;  speak  ye  every  man 
the  truth  to  his  neighbor ;  execute  the  judgment  of  truth  and 
peace  in  your  gates ; 

And  let  none  imagine  evil  in  your  hearts,  for  these  things  1 
hate,  saith  the  Lord. 

And  the  work  of  righteousness  shall  be  peace ;  and  the 
effect  of  righteousness,  quietness  and  assurance  forever. 

And  my  people  shall  dwell  in  a  peaceable  habitation,  and 
in  sure  dwellings,  and  in  quiet  resting-places. 


FAST-DAY.  833 

Morning. 

IN  a  spirit  of  humility  and  contrition,  we  come 
into  thy  presence,  O  Lord,  our  Heavenly  Fa- 
ther. We  feel  our  dependence  upon  thee  for  all  that 
we  are  and  all  that  we  have.  We  acknowledge 
our  un worthiness,  our  weakness,  and  our  sin.  We 
are  humiliated  in  our  sense  of  defeat  in  many  a 
stiniggle  and  conflict.  Yet  we  know  that  thou  art 
long-suffering  with  us,  and  full  of  compassion. 
Thine  infinite  pity  reaches  down  to  our  low  estate, 
and  thou  dost  raise  us  from  our  despondency  and 
doubt  and  sin.  Like  as  a  father  pitieth  his  children, 
so  dost  thou  pity  us,  thy  children.  As  far  as  the 
east  is  from  the  west,  so  far  dost  thou  remove  our 
transgressions  from  us.  May  we  feel  thy  pardon- 
ing mercy  softening  our  hearts  to  penitence,  and 
assuring  us  of  a  gracious  forgiveness. 

We  remember  before  thee  the  condition  and 
needs  of  our  beloved  country.  We  feel,  that,  as 
a  people,  we  have  sinned  in  thy  sight.  We  have 
forgotten  thy  holy  laws.  We  have  neglected  thy 
commandments.  In  our  love  of  the  world,  in  our 
service  of  mammon,  in  our  lust  for  power,  we  have 
forsaken  thy  statutes.  We  have  followed  the  de- 
vices of  our  own  hearts,  and  have  sinned  against  thy 
perfect  will.  Deliver  us,  O  Father  from  the  fruit  of 
our  doings.  Grant  that  our  sins  may  not  be  laid  up 
against  us.     Help  us  by  a  timely  repentance,  which 


334  SPECIAL   SERVICES. 

shall  be  full  of  good  works,  to  turn  aside  the  conse- 
quences of  our  wrong-doings.  Bring  in  upon  us  the 
blessings  of  an  impartial  freedom,  and  the  righteous- 
ness of  the  kingdom  of  God.  Make  us  faithful 
to  the  great  duties  before  us,  that  in  the  genera- 
tions to  come  the  land  will  be  filled  with  thy  glory 
and  the  happiness  of  all  our  brethren.  May  slav- 
ery and  oppression  come  to  an  end  throughout  our 
borders.  Hush  all  contention  and  strife,  and  fill 
the  hearts  of  all  our  people  with  that  peace  which 
passeth  understanding,  and  which  shall  keep  us 
from  all  evil  evermore. 

Graciously  remember  thy  servant,  the  President 
of  the  United  States,  and  all  who  are  joined  with 
him  in  counsel  and  authority.  Be  a  safeguard  and 
a  shield  to  our  armies  and  to  those  that  are  afar  off 
upon  the  sea.  Guide  with  wisdom  the  Governor 
of  our  Commonwealth  and  his  associates  in  the 
service  of  the  State.  Be  with  all  kings  and  prin- 
ces, and  all  peoples  and  tribes  and  nations  on  the 
face  of  the  whole  earth,  and  fill  the  world  with 
the  glory  and  goodness  of  thy  holy  name. 

May  our  penitence,  our  piety,  and  our  prayerful- 
ness,  our  fidelity,  our  firmness  in  all  things  good,  and 
our  faith  in  thee,  work  out  for  us  a  complete  salvation 
fi'om  every  sin,  and  an  abundant  entrance  into  thy 
kingdom  above.  We  offer  our  petitions  and  ask 
thy  blessing  and  thy  help  forevermore,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


FAST-DA  Y.  885 


EVENING. 


OTHOU  who  art  our  God,  as  thou  hast  been 
the  God  of  our  fathers,  we  would  bow  our- 
selves before  thee  with  penitent  and  contrite  hearts„ 
We  acknowledge  our  transgressions.  We  have 
sinned  against  heaven  and  in  thy  sight.  We  de- 
serve thy  chastisements.  Look  down  upon  us,  we 
beseech  thee,  not  in  judgment,  but  in  mercy.  Re- 
member not  the  sins  of  our  youth  nor  our  trans- 
gressions ;  save  us  from  our  sins,  and  blot  out  all 
our  iniquities.  According  to  thy  mercy,  remem- 
ber thou  us  for  thy  goodness*  sake,  O  Lord. 

Look  in  kindness  on  our  country.  As  a  people 
we  thank  thee  for  all  that  thou  hast  been  to  us  and 
our  fathers.  We  praise  and  bless  thee  for  the  gifts 
of  thy  love  and  the  privileges  which  thou  hast 
bestowed  upon  us,  —  for  this  goodly  land,  for  the 
abundance  with  which  thou  hast  crowned  our  la- 
bors, for  our  government,  with  ile  benign  and  pro- 
tecting care  over  us,  for  the  blessings  of  civil  and 
religious  liberty,  for  our  social  advantages,  for  our 
schools  and  churches,  for  the  Christian  homes  in 
which  we  have  been  nurtured,  for  the  means  of 
grace,  and  the  hope  of  glory. 

While  we  thank  thee  for  these  thy  gifts  and 
mercies,  we  confess,  with  humiliation  and  sorrow, 
that  we  have  not  improved  as  we  ought  the  oppor- 
tunities and  privileges  which  thou  hast  bestowed, 


336  SPECIAL  SERVICES. 

that  we  have  been  less  careful  to  impart  thy  gifts 
to  others  than  to  appropriate  them  to  ourselves,  and 
that  we  have  not  accepted  and  taken  home  to  our 
hearts,  as  we  ought,  thine  offers  of  grace  and  par- 
don and  eternal  life  in  Jesus  Christ.  Forgive  us, 
we  entreat  thee,  all  this  our  unworthiness.  May 
we  truly  repent  of  our  sins.  And  grant  that, 
in  all  time  to  come,  we  may  be  more  faithful  and 
true  to  thee,  that  we  may  love  thee  with  a  more 
earnest  love,  and  give  ourselves  to  thee  in  our  daily 
life  with  a  more  hearty  and  entire  devotion.  Turn 
from  us,  O  God,  those  judgments  which  we  most 
truly  have  deserved.  Save  our  country  from  the 
dangers  impending  over  it.  Grant  that  our  rulers 
and  lawgivers  and  judges  may  be  wise  and  just. 
May  we  extend  to  all  within  our  borders  the  advan- 
tages of  liberty  and  law  which  we  ask  for  ourselves, 
and  so  live  as  a  people,  that  we  may  be  a  joy  and  a 
blessing  among  the  famihes  of  the  earth,  that  thy 
peace  may  be  withftt  our  walls,  thy  prosperity  within 
our  palaces,  and  that  the  blessing  of  those  who  are 
ready  to  perish  may  go  with  us,  through  the  riches 
of  thy  love  in  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen» 


THE   END. 


^^rtm^TomiJl^Y  USE 

.  ""^"^  ™°W  ^HICH  BORROWED 

LOAN  DEPT. 

"Hiis  book  is  due  on  thi.  i^..  ^ 

__J^  to  immediate  recaU. 


>w,or 


(0709783  0)476B 


General  Library 
University  of  CaliSrnia 


TB  Z^^b^ 


